Fire on Pemex Platform Results in Fatality & Injuries

A fatal incident occurred on the Akal-B oil platform operated by Pemex in the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in the death of at least one individual and injuries to several others due to a fire.

Pemex reported that the blaze started at 4:48 PM local time on Saturday in the section housing gas pipelines, prompting the activation of emergency procedures to control the situation.

The incident claimed the life of one worker from contractor COTER, while another was critically injured and is receiving hospital care.

Additionally, five Pemex employees sustained injuries, with two suffering from first and second-degree burns. One of these individuals, in critical condition, has been transferred to Mexico City for specialized treatment. Three contractors from Diavaz were also hospitalized for evaluation but have since been released, according to Pemex.

Pemex's operations have been marred by significant industrial accidents over the years. Notably, in 2021, a gas pipeline leak near a platform resulted in a large "eye of fire" on the water's surface.

In the same year, a fire on the E-Ku-A2 platform within the Ku-Maloob-Zaap offshore field led to fatalities, disrupted about a quarter of Mexico's oil output, and was followed by another deadly event on the Nohoch Alfa platform in the Cantarell field.