77 injured, 17 firefighters missing in Cuba crude oil tank fire

A massive blaze in a crude oil tank in the port of Matanzas in Cuba caused several explosions that have left at least 77 people injured, local authorities said, adding that 17 firefighters were reportedly missing Local newspaper Granma said there was "a high probability" that some of the missing people were dead, dpa news agency reported. Authorities said the rescue teams have been unable to reach them because of the high temperatures. The newspaper said the Minister of Energy, Livan Arronte Cruz is among the injured. The fire started around 7 pm on Friday, when lightning struck a crude oil storage tank in the unloading area in the port of Matanzas, the authorities said. Despite the efforts of the firefighters to control it, there were at least four explosions on Saturday, the provincial government of Matanzas said on its official Twitter account. Cuban authorities said they had requested international help to put out the fire. According to the latest count reported by Granma, the fire left at least 77 people injured. Three reportedly have severe injuries and another two are in critical condition. IANS

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