The massive explosion at the Caribbean Petroleum Corp. facility near San Juan, Puerto Rico on October 23, 2009 endangered the lives of thousands of people. The explosion ignited a fire that fed on jet fuel, bunker fuel and gasoline stored at the facility, and produced plumes of thick, black, potentially toxic smoke that could be seen for miles.

Hundreds of people living downwind from the facility were forced to flee their homes. Those not evacuated were told to keep windows in their homes closed to avoid noxious smoke coming from the blaze. It may be weeks, months or even years before the health consequences of the Caribbean Petroleum Corp. explosion become completely apparent.

It was expected that the fire would take several days to extinguish, and there was a danger that more explosions could occur. Eighty-five firefighters with 20 fire trucks worked to contain the fire and chill storage tanks to prevent further explosions. Puerto Rican authorities also requested assistance from hazardous materials specialists in the U.S.

Evacuation and Injuries

The Caribbean Petroleum Corp. is the owner of the Gulf brand in Puerto Rico. The facility where the explosion occurred is a gasoline warehouse and distribution center where jet fuel, bunker fuel and gasoline are stored. The facility also includes a 48,000 barrel-per-day (b/d) refinery, but according to the company, the refinery was not in operation at the time of the explosion.

The explosion at the Caribbean Petroleum Corp. facility occurred around 12:30 a.m. According to the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, the blast produced a shock wave equivalent to a 2.8 magnitude earthquake. The explosion was so strong that it tore up a nearby highway, and shattered windows on nearby homes.

The resulting fire grew in intensity in the hours after the blast, and coated homes and property in the area with black soot and ash. Smoke from the fire was so heavy that the Federal Aviation Administration implemented a temporary flight restriction over the area.

At least 350 people were evacuated from the surrounding neighborhood, and it was not known when they would be able to return. Nearby schools were also closed for the day, and Puerto Ricans were urged to avoid the vicinity so the area could be kept clear for emergency vehicles.

Though no one was killed in the explosion, Puerto Rican Gov. Luis Fortuno said one person had required treatment for smoke inhalation, and two others suffered minor injuries at the U.S. Army’s Fort Buchanan base adjacent to the fuel plant. Several drivers were also hurt when the explosion shattered glass in their cars. Officials at Caribbean Petroleum reported that all employees there were safe.

It is not yet known what caused the Caribbean Petroleum Corp. explosion. Media outlets have reported that agents from the FBI were on the scene. Local police and the FBI were said to be looking into graffiti found after the blast in a San Juan highway tunnel with the message: “Boom, fire, RIP, Gulf.” While he would not draw conclusions as to the meaning of the graffiti, a police official said the message was “a concern.” A local official for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said a special team from the U.S. mainland would also investigate the explosion. However, that investigation would not begin until the fire at the plant was extinguished.

Legal Help for Victims of Caribbean Petroleum Corp. Explosion

Our Caribbean Petroleum Corp. explosion lawyers have a great deal of experience representing people injured from industrial accidents. We will do everything legally possible to make sure those who suffered physical and financial damages because of the Caribbean Petroleum Corp. explosion are treated fairly.

We are offering free case evaluations to anyone who was affected by the Caribbean Petroleum Co. explosion and fire in Puerto Rico. If you or a member of your family suffered injuries or property damage, or you were forced to evacuate because of this catastrophe, you may be entitled to compensation.  Please fill out our online form, or call 1-800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) to discuss your case with one of our Caribbean Petroleum Corp. explosion lawyers right away.