ALBAWABA- A major explosion rocked Ecuador’s largest oil refinery, the Esmeraldas Refinery, on Saturday, triggering a large fire and prompting emergency evacuations, according to the country’s Energy Minister, as reported by AFP.
The explosion reportedly originated in the facility’s sulfur plant, part of the state-owned complex on the Pacific coast. Firefighters were immediately deployed to the scene, working alongside plant personnel to contain the blaze.
In response, the Bloque de Seguridad mobilized operational and logistical units to assist in controlling the fire and protecting the facility. Authorities have also begun evacuating nearby residents as a precautionary measure to safeguard civilian lives.
There are no confirmed reports of casualties, and officials have not disclosed the full extent of the damage. The Esmeraldas Refinery is a key component of Ecuador’s energy infrastructure.
