US federal, state, and local agencies continued their response on Oct. 16 to an explosion on a natural gas platform operated by New Orleans-based Clovelly Oil Co. LLC on Lake Pontchartrain near Kenner, La.
The US Coast Guard was notified by a witness during the evening of Oct. 15 of the explosion, which occurred as the platform was being cleaned, later reports indicated. The platform serves as a hub for local wells producing in the lake.
Of the eight people who were aboard at the time of the explosion, seven made it to shore, six were taken to the hospital, and one remains missing. The USCG and partner agencies continue to search for the missing person.
The fire on the platform “has been reduced substantially,” the USCG reported. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto said a 2-in. valve is still burning off residual gas and no environment impact has been observed on the lake.
