The Gulf of Mexico was set ablaze after a leak in an underwater gas pipeline sparked a swirling fire on water surface, creating a Mordor-like scene from “The Lord of the Rings.”
Controlled by Petróleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, Mexico’s state-owned oil monopoly, the pipeline of about 2 inches in diameter leaked, creating a circular inferno at 5:15 am on July 2. The leak occurred 150 meters from a platform at Ku-Maloob-Zaap, an offshore oil field in the Bay of Campeche.
Viral video of orange flames resembling molten lava, dubbed an “eye of fire” were pictured on social media as it raged a short distance from a Pemex oil platform.
The company later released a statement, saying that the blaze has been brought under control. The fire, which erupted close to an oil platform, was put out by 10:45 am local time, while no injuries or evacuations of the facility have been reported.
Pemex also said that it has launched an investigation into the incident. Angel Carrizales, head of Mexico’s oil safety regulator ASEA, wrote on Twitter that the incident “did not generate any spill,” however failed to explain the burning material on the water’s surface.
Pemex has a long history of major industrial accidents at its facilities. This incident is no different. According to the company, it has shut the valves of the 12-inch-diameter pipeline.
The Gulf of Mexico was set ablaze after a leak in an underwater gas pipeline sparked a swirling fire on water surface, creating a Mordor-like scene from “The Lord of the Rings” | Image: CNN
It was not instantly evident what kind of damage the fire has done to marine life or how large the fire had been. Some environmental groups indicated that the fire was a stark example of the risks of relying on fossil fuels and the climate change contributions to fatal heat across Canada and the Pacific Northwest.
Such incidents are environmental catastrophes, which are destined to result in great destruction for all life on planet. While mistakes and accidents are understandable, a constant string of irresponsible and careless attitude leading to such episodes is inexcusable and should be punishable by law.
Via: CBS News