Massive Explosion Rocks Ecuadorian Oil Refinery: No Fatalities Reported

Ecuador's Esmeraldas Refinery Hit by Major Explosion A powerful explosion and subsequent fire ripped through Ecuador's largest oil refinery in Esmeraldas on Monday, May 26, 2025. The incident, which began in a fuel oil storage tank, sent a massive plume of black smoke billowing into the sky, visible from across the city. While the scale of the event was significant, Petroecuador, the state-owned oil company, reported that there were no fatalities. "Despite the magnitude of the incident, no fatalities were registered," stated a Petroecuador press release. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Energy Minister Ines Manzano, using her X account, confirmed the fire was controlled, praising the coordinated response of Petroecuador and Esmeraldas firefighters. The refinery, which processes up to 110,000 barrels of oil daily, is now undergoing inspections to assess the damage and ensure structural safety before resuming operations. The incident has raised concerns about the potential economic impact on Ecuador, highlighting the need for thorough investigation and robust safety measures in the country's vital oil infrastructure.