Refinery blast kills many in Venezuela, dozens hurt

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A huge explosion rocked Venezuela's biggest oil refinery and unleashed a ferocious fire on Saturday, killing at least 26 people and injuring more than 80 others in the deadliest disaster in memory for the country's key oil industry.

Balls of fire rose over the Amuay refinery, one of the largest in the world, in video posted on the Internet by people who were nearby at the time.

Government officials pledged to restart the refinery within two days and said the country has plenty of fuel supplies on hand to meet its domestic needs as well as its export commitments.

At least 86 people were injured, nine of them seriously, Health Minister Eugenia Sader said at a hospital where the wounded were taken. She said 77 people suffered light injuries and were released from the hospital.

Officials said those killed included a 10-year-old boy, and that 17 of the 26 victims were National Guard troops stationed at a post next to the refinery. President Hugo Chavez declared three days of mourning in the country. "This affects all of us," Chavez said by phone on state television.

"It's very sad, very painful." Chavez said he ordered a 'deep investigation' to determine what caused the explosion. Vice President Elias Jaua, who travelled to the area in western Venezuela, said the authorities tried 'to save the greatest number of lives'.

Officials said firefighters had controlled the flames at the refinery on the Paraguana Peninsula, where clouds of dark smoke were still billowing at noon. Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez said the state oil company should be able to "restart operations in a maximum of two days."