Oil tank explodes in Louisiana, about 30 homes evacuated
DENHAM SPRINGS, La. – An oil tank has exploded in Louisiana in an area outside Baton Rouge, prompting the evacuation of 30 to 35 homes.
The explosion happened late Thursday night near Denham Springs. No injuries had been reported early Friday.
Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness director Mark Harrell told the Times-Picayune there were two oil holding tanks at the scene and one of them ruptured and caught fire.
He said it wasn’t known why the tank ruptured. The second oil tank had not exploded but was bulging from the heat.
Harrell said the fire has been contained in a 20-square-metre area.
Harrell says evacuated residents will be allowed back in their homes once the fire is out.
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