Big gas pipeline explosion in Venezuela

A section of PDVSA’s pipeline leading to the Pigap II gas reinjection plant suffered an explosion and fire over the weekend.

A section of a 36 in. natural gas pipeline in Venezuela exploded over the weekend, according to a report by Venezuela’s from state oil company PDVSA. Venezuelan Oil Minister Oil Minister Tareck El Aissami in a statement on state television said the incident was a “terrorist attack,” but provided no additional information.

The explosion at the Pigap II gas reinjection plant in Monagas forced PDVSA to temporarily shut the plant to halt fires and evaluate the damages to the pipeline, according to a Reuters report.

Venezuelan officials have frequently blamed previous explosions at pipelines and refineries, along with other infrastructure failings, on sabotage, while others cite mismanagement, lack of maintenance and underinvestment.

To see a video of the mishap, click here.