31 dead in Brazil fuel tanker blast
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-11-16 11:19

An explosion onboard a fuel tanker at the southern Brazilian port of Paranagua killed 31 crew members, according to a local radio report.

General view of the Paranagua port in the south of Brazil. An explosion onboard a fuel tanker at the southern Brazilian port of Paranagua killed 31 crew members, according to a local radio report. [AFP]

The tanker was being loaded with fuel at the time of the explosion, according to CBN radio, which was broadcasting from the site of the blast.

Three powerful consecutive explosions shook the tanker around 7:30 pm (2230 GMT), splitting the tanker in two.

Amid widespread confusion firefighters, civil defense officials and army soldiers blocked access to the port, according to CBN.

Local authorities have not yet said anything about the accident or the number of victims.

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