Explosion on Offshore Oil Platform Off Louisiana Injures 11

An explosion off the coast of Louisiana sent 11 people to hospitals. There were 22 people on the offshore oil platform when the explosion occurred. Nine people were uninjured, and two others are still missing.
Of the 11 known people that were injured, two were flown to the Baton Rouge General-Mid City Burn Center and are in critical condition. Two other injured crew members were on their way to Baton Rouge by ambulance from Marrero, Louisiana. There is no word on the condition of those two or the other seven injured workers.
A crew has been dispatched to assess and clean up any pollution from the explosion. The Coast Guard unit stationed in Morgan City, Louisiana, will be leading the investigation into the cause of the explosion. Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion occurred when a worker was cutting into a pipe that still had oil in it with a torch. The fire has been put out and there is no indication that oil is leaking into the Gulf of Mexico.
Those who were injured in the explosion on this offshore oil platform may be able to receive benefits in accordance with the Longshore and Harbor Workers Act. This Act provides for compensation and medical care for those employees injured in the course of their maritime employment in the same way as workers’ compensation does in other industries. Anyone injured in the course of maritime employment may want to seek the advice of counsel to ensure they are receiving all of the benefits they are entitled to under relevant laws.