Over a dozen injured in Petrobras platform fire
A fire erupted on Petrobras’ Cherne 1 platform, located approximately 130 kilometers off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, resulting in injuries to 14 workers. Initial reports indicated only one worker sustained minor burns, but this number increased as details emerged. One injured worker fell into the sea during the incident, prompting a swift rescue operation.
Workers Receiving Medical Attention
Petrobras confirmed that the worker who fell into the ocean is currently receiving hospital care and is reported to be stable. The other 13 injured employees are also being treated at a nearby hospital. The incident occurred while 176 workers were present on the platform, which has not been operational since 2020. Despite the chaos, Petrobras noted that the remaining personnel on board are safe. In response to the fire, the company announced plans to form a commission to investigate the incident’s causes, which remain unclear.
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Sergio Borges Cordeiro, the general coordinator of the Northern Fluminense Oil Workers Union, shared updates via social media. He reported that gas flow was halted and that communication with the platform was disrupted immediately following the incident. Emergency vessels were deployed to aid in the situation, highlighting the urgency of the response.
Safety Concerns in Brazil’s Oil Industry
This incident adds to growing concerns about safety in Brazil’s oil and gas sector. According to Brazil’s National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels, the country experienced 731 accidents in oil exploration and production activities in 2024 alone. These incidents resulted in 183 injuries, with 78 classified as serious and one fatality. As Petrobras investigates this latest occurrence, industry stakeholders are likely to examine safety protocols to prevent future accidents and ensure the well-being of workers in this hazardous field.
