Oil well in fire
31/03/2011 13:45
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Dozens of houses in the Kallm village of Fier district were seriously endangered by a strong fire that exploded from an oil well. Flames spread to a larger area, after crude oil entered the drainage channels along the fields.
Residential buildings, although relatively far from the fire, have been seriously endangered. Official Albpetrol sources say that the fire was intentionally set, probably by the residents who will seek damage compensation. These wells seem to have been uninsured, to avoid events like this.
Fortunately, the flames have not reached the oil source. If this would have happened, the results would have been unpredictable, because the neck of the well releases liquid gas.
Some of the residents tried to use nearby objects to put out the flames that were being spread by the wind. Two fire engines arrived on the scene and after some hours of efforts, they were able to localize the fire and put it out.
The damages caused in the “Thunder 48” oil well are considered as very high.
Dangerous events have happened frequently in the Marinza oil fields.
Some months ago, another oil well took the life of an Albpetrol specialist, after a sudden eruption that released gas in the environment.
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