Daniela Primera / AP
Balls of fire rise over Amuay refinery near Punto Fijo, Venezuela, Saturday, after a massive explosion.
By NBC News staff and wire services
Updated at 8:45 a.m. ET: A gas explosion at Venezuela's Amuay refinery killed 19 people and injured at least 53, a?state governor said Saturday.
Falcon state Gov. Stella Lugo said the victims included a 10-year-old boy.
"There's no risk of another explosion," she told state TV earlier. "Right now, we're attending to the injured."
The plant in Paraguana in the country's west?is its largest refinery, producing some 645,000-barrels a day.
"There was a gas leak," Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez told state TV. "A cloud of gas exploded ... it was a significant explosion, there are appreciable damages to infrastructure and houses opposite the refinery."
Venezuela?s El Universal newspaper published a picture showing the night sky glowing orange with flames.
Both Ramirez and workers said there had been injuries, but gave no more details.
Emergency workers were at the scene, where smoke and flames could be seen over the facility. Inhabitants of the immediate area were being evacuated, authorities said.
Ivan Freites, a union leader at the state oil company PDVSA, said foam would be used to control the fire.
PDVSA has struggled with repeated refinery problems in recent years, affecting its production figures and ability to fulfil ambitious expansion plans.
Power faults, accidents and planned stoppages for maintenance have hit exports from South America's biggest crude producer and OPEC member.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
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