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|date = {{start date and age|2009|10|23}}
|date = {{start date and age|2009|10|23}}
|time = 12:23am ([[Atlantic Standard Time|AST]])
|time = 12:23am ([[Atlantic Standard Time|AST]])
|place = [[Caribbean Petroleum Corporation]] [[oil refinery]] and [[oil depot]] in [[Bayamón, Puerto Rico|Bayamón]], [[Puerto Rico]]
|place = [[Caribbean Petroleum Corporation]] oil refinery and oil depot<br>[[Bayamón, Puerto Rico|Bayamón]], [[Puerto Rico]]
|coordinates = {{Coord|18.4165|-66.1316|region:PR_type:event|display=inline,title}}
|coordinates = {{Coord|18.4165|-66.1316|region:PR_type:event|display=inline,title}}
|also known as = CAPECO explosion
|also known as = CAPECO explosion
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}}
}}


⚫
The '''2009 Cataño oil refinery fire''', also known as the '''CAPECO explosion''', was a [[fire]] that began with an explosion on October 23, 2009, and was extinguished on October 25 at the [[Caribbean Petroleum Corporation]] (CAPECO) [[oil refinery]] and [[oil depot]] in [[Bayamón, Puerto Rico|Bayamón]], [[Puerto Rico]].<ref name="bbc">{{cite news |title=Evacuation from Puerto Rico fire |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8323569.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |date=2009-10-24 |access-date=2009-10-25}}</ref> While the fire and subsequent explosion occurred close to the city of [[Cataño, Puerto Rico|Cataño]], it technically occurred within the borders of Bayamón, even though Cataño was more affected by fumes and evacuation. There were no fatalities, but 3 people were injured.
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{{external media | width = 210px | align = left
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| headerimage= | video1 =[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41QMaJqxqIo Filling Blind] (11:08), CSB Safety Video <ref name="PBS A">{{cite web | title =CSB Safety Video | publisher =CSB | date = 21 October 2015 | url =http://www.csb.gov/caribbean-petroleum-refining-tank-explosion-and-fire/ | access-date =21 November 2016 }}</ref> }}

⚫
The '''2009 Cataño oil refinery fire''' was a [[fire]] that began with an explosion on October 23, 2009, and was extinguished on October 25 at the [[Caribbean Petroleum Corporation]] (CAPECO) [[oil refinery]] and [[oil depot]] in [[Bayamón, Puerto Rico|Bayamón]], [[Puerto Rico]].<ref name="bbc">{{cite news |title=Evacuation from Puerto Rico fire |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8323569.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |date=2009-10-24 |access-date=2009-10-25}}</ref> While the fire and subsequent explosion occurred close to the city of [[Cataño, Puerto Rico|Cataño]], it technically occurred within the borders of Bayamón, even though Cataño was more affected by fumes and evacuation. There were no fatalities, but 3 people were injured.


==Event==
==Event==
[[File:PR explosion at night.jpg|thumb|A picture taken minutes after the explosion from [[Río Piedras, Puerto Rico|Río Piedras]]]]
[[File:PR explosion at night.jpg|thumb|A picture taken minutes after the explosion from [[Río Piedras, Puerto Rico|Río Piedras]]]]


The initial explosion destroyed eleven storage tanks at the facility, but quickly spread to other nearby tanks. The tanks contained [[gasoline]], [[jet fuel]], and [[diesel fuel|diesel]]. The resulting explosion was measured as equivalent to a 2.8-magnitude [[earthquake]] on the [[Richter magnitude scale]].<ref name="bbc" /> The tanks exploded at approximately 12:23&nbsp;a.m. and could be heard in places as far away as [[Cidra, Puerto Rico|Cidra]], 11 miles away and shook windows and doors over two miles away. At some point the flames reached a height of {{convert|100|ft}} above the refinery.<ref name="bbc" />
The initial explosion destroyed eleven storage tanks at the facility, but [[Domino effect accident|quickly spread]] to other nearby tanks. The tanks contained [[gasoline]], [[jet fuel]], and [[diesel fuel|diesel]]. The resulting explosion was measured as equivalent to a 2.8-magnitude [[earthquake]] on the [[Richter magnitude scale]].<ref name="bbc" /> The tanks exploded at approximately 12:23&nbsp;a.m. and could be heard in places as far away as [[Cidra, Puerto Rico|Cidra]], 11 miles away and shook windows and doors over two miles away. At some point the flames reached a height of {{convert|100|ft}} above the refinery.<ref name="bbc" />


The explosion caused {{convert|30|e6USgal|m3}} of petroleum to be released into bodies of water and neighboring wetlands of the San Juan Bay, resulting in dead wildlife and a major health impact to the population.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ejatlas.org/conflict/capeco-caribbean-petroleum-company|title=CAPECO disaster, Puerto Rico {{!}} EJAtlas|last=EJOLT|website=Environmental Justice Atlas|language=en|access-date=2020-04-22}}</ref> Environmental assessments conducted by the EPA, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources (PR DNR) found dead wildlife and both aquatic and avian species, including several legally protected species, covered in oil. Millions of dollars in damage were seen by neighboring communities. After the event, about 600 people were using shelters in Cataño, Guaynabo, and Toa Baja.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.csb.gov/assets/1/17/06.09.2015_final_capeco_draft_report__for_board_vote.pdf?15462|title=Final Investigation Report. CARIBBEAN PETROLEUM TANK TERMINAL EXPLOSION AND MULTIPLE TANK FIRES|last=U.S. CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD|date=June 2015|website=CSB|access-date=April 22, 2020}}</ref>
The explosion caused {{convert|30|e6USgal|m3}} of petroleum to be released into bodies of water and neighboring wetlands of the San Juan Bay, resulting in dead wildlife and a major health impact to the population.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ejatlas.org/conflict/capeco-caribbean-petroleum-company|title=CAPECO disaster, Puerto Rico {{!}} EJAtlas|last=EJOLT|website=[[Environmental Justice Atlas]]|language=en|access-date=2020-04-22}}</ref> Environmental assessments conducted by the EPA, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources (PR DNR) found dead wildlife and both aquatic and avian species, including several legally protected species, covered in oil. Millions of dollars in damage were seen by neighboring communities. After the event, about 600 people were using shelters in Cataño, Guaynabo, and Toa Baja.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.csb.gov/assets/1/17/06.09.2015_final_capeco_draft_report__for_board_vote.pdf?15462|title=Final Investigation Report. CARIBBEAN PETROLEUM TANK TERMINAL EXPLOSION AND MULTIPLE TANK FIRES|last=U.S. CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD|date=June 2015|website=CSB|access-date=April 22, 2020}}</ref>


The five workers that were present at the plant at the moment managed to escape in time. Several drivers were injured when the explosion shattered the glass in their cars, two people suffered minor injuries at the nearby [[Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico|Fort Buchanan]] of the [[U.S. Army]], and four other people sought help for respiratory problems.<ref name="Explosion rocks">[http://www.nbcnews.com/id/33445763 Explosion rocks Gulf facility on Puerto Rico] on [[NBC News]]; Associated Press (10/23/2009)</ref>
The five workers that were present at the plant at the moment managed to escape in time. Several drivers were injured when the explosion shattered the glass in their cars, two people suffered minor injuries at the nearby [[Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico|Fort Buchanan]] of the [[U.S. Army]], and four other people sought help for respiratory problems.<ref name="Explosion rocks">[https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna33445763 Explosion rocks Gulf facility on Puerto Rico] on [[NBC News]]; Associated Press (10/23/2009)</ref>


===Initial Response===
===Initial Response===
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===Governmental Aid===
===Governmental Aid===
[[President of the United States|President]] [[Barack Obama]] separately declared a federal state of emergency in Puerto Rico, clearing the way for U.S. federal agencies to coordinate disaster relief and authorizing the use of federal funds.<ref name="upi">{{cite news |first=Andres |last=Martinez |title=Puerto Rico oil fire burns uncontrolled |url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2009/10/25/Puerto-Rico-oil-fire-burns-uncontrolled/UPI-32951256472507/ |work=[[United Press International]]|date=2009-10-25 |access-date=2009-10-25 }}</ref> Fighting the fire has cost the local Puerto Rican government more than $6.4 million, as of October 25.<ref name="upi"/> The [[United States Army]] announced that the explosion and fire had closed nearby [[Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico|Fort Buchanan]] until further notice.<ref name="cb">{{cite news |title=Fort Buchanan remains closed due to the fire. |url=http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=36642&ct_id=1&ct_name=1 |work=[[Caribbean Business]] |date=2009-10-25 |access-date=2009-10-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708121412/http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=36642&ct_id=1&ct_name=1 |archive-date=2011-07-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[President of the United States|President]] [[Barack Obama]] separately declared a federal state of emergency in Puerto Rico, clearing the way for U.S. federal agencies to coordinate disaster relief and authorizing the use of federal funds.<ref name="upi">{{cite news |first=Andres |last=Martinez |title=Puerto Rico oil fire burns uncontrolled |url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2009/10/25/Puerto-Rico-oil-fire-burns-uncontrolled/UPI-32951256472507/ |work=[[United Press International]]|date=2009-10-25 |access-date=2009-10-25 }}</ref> Fighting the fire has cost the local Puerto Rican government more than $6.4 million, as of October 25.<ref name="upi"/> The [[United States Army]] announced that the explosion and fire had closed nearby [[Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico|Fort Buchanan]] until further notice.<ref name="cb">{{cite news |title=Fort Buchanan remains closed due to the fire. |url=http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=36642&ct_id=1&ct_name=1 |work=[[Caribbean Business]] |date=2009-10-25 |access-date=2009-10-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708121412/http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=36642&ct_id=1&ct_name=1 |archive-date=2011-07-08 |url-status=usurped }}</ref>


Authorities built a temporary pipe to [[San Juan Bay]] in order to bring [[seawater]] to extinguish the fire, but the fire was extinguished before it could be used.<ref name="wp">{{cite news |title= Winds shift as fire burns Puerto Rican oil depot |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-puertorico-oil-fire-idUSTRE59N09N20091024 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=2009-10-24 |access-date=2009-10-25}}</ref> [[Fire fighting foam]] was supplied from the nearby [[United States Virgin Islands]].<ref name="wp"/> Luis Fortuño announced on October 25 that the fire had been extinguished,<ref name="earthtimes">{{cite news |author=Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration |author-link=Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration |url=http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/puerto-rico-fire-extinguished,1012559.shtml |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130414203826/http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/puerto-rico-fire-extinguished,1012559.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-04-14 |title=Puerto Rico Fire Extinguished |publisher=Earthtimes |date=2009-10-26 |access-date=2009-10-26}}</ref> and estimated the initial cost to fight the fire at $6.4 million.<ref name="dailyme">{{cite news |url=http://dailyme.com/story/2009102500003485/feds-probe-pr-fuel-depot-fire.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120044607/http://dailyme.com/story/2009102500003485/feds-probe-pr-fuel-depot-fire.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-20|author=Coto, Danila|title=Feds probe cause of PR fuel depot fire|date=2009-10-25 |access-date=2009-10-26|publisher=[[Associated Press]] }}</ref>
Authorities built a temporary pipe to [[San Juan Bay]] in order to bring [[seawater]] to extinguish the fire, but the fire was extinguished before it could be used.<ref name="wp">{{cite news |title= Winds shift as fire burns Puerto Rican oil depot |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-puertorico-oil-fire-idUSTRE59N09N20091024 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=2009-10-24 |access-date=2009-10-25}}</ref> [[Fire fighting foam]] was supplied from the nearby [[United States Virgin Islands]].<ref name="wp"/> Luis Fortuño announced on October 25 that the fire had been extinguished,<ref name="earthtimes">{{cite news |author=Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration |author-link=Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration |url=http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/puerto-rico-fire-extinguished,1012559.shtml |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130414203826/http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/puerto-rico-fire-extinguished,1012559.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-04-14 |title=Puerto Rico Fire Extinguished |publisher=Earthtimes |date=2009-10-26 |access-date=2009-10-26}}</ref> and estimated the initial cost to fight the fire at $6.4 million.<ref name="dailyme">{{cite news |url=http://dailyme.com/story/2009102500003485/feds-probe-pr-fuel-depot-fire.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120044607/http://dailyme.com/story/2009102500003485/feds-probe-pr-fuel-depot-fire.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-20|author=Coto, Danila|title=Feds probe cause of PR fuel depot fire|date=2009-10-25 |access-date=2009-10-26|publisher=[[Associated Press]] }}</ref>


==Investigation==
==Investigation==
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{{external media | width = 210px | float = right
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| headerimage= | video1 =[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41QMaJqxqIo Filling Blind] (11:08), CSB Safety Video <ref name="PBS A">{{cite web | title =CSB Safety Video | publisher =CSB | date = 21 October 2015 | url =http://www.csb.gov/caribbean-petroleum-refining-tank-explosion-and-fire/ | access-date =21 November 2016 }}</ref> }}
On the days after the explosion, more than 60 agents from both the [[FBI]] and the [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]] were dispatched to the Caribbean Petroleum Corp. in [[Bayamón, Puerto Rico|Bayamón]], just west of [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]], to aid in the investigation, said ATF spokesman Marcial Orlando Felix. Several agents flew in from the U.S. Mainland.<ref name="dailyme" />
On the days after the explosion, more than 60 agents from both the [[FBI]] and the [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]] were dispatched to the Caribbean Petroleum Corp. in [[Bayamón, Puerto Rico|Bayamón]], just west of [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]], to aid in the investigation, said ATF spokesman Marcial Orlando Felix. Several agents flew in from the U.S. Mainland.<ref name="dailyme" />


The Caribbean Petroleum Corporation supplies most of Puerto Rico's oil and gasoline, which is marketed under the [[Gulf Oil]] brand name, but only 10 percent is managed from this plant. Government officials said at the time that Puerto Rico had enough fuel and diesel to last for 24 days after the disaster.<ref name="bloomberg">{{cite news |first=Andres |last=Martinez |title=Puerto Rico Has Fuel Supplies for 24 Days After Fire |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=aB0Eiyuq49pY |work=[[Bloomberg News]] |date=2009-10-23 |access-date=2009-10-25}}</ref>
The Caribbean Petroleum Corporation supplies most of Puerto Rico's oil and gasoline, which is marketed under the [[Gulf Oil]] brand name, but only 10 percent is managed from this plant. Government officials said at the time that Puerto Rico had enough fuel and diesel to last for 24 days after the disaster.<ref name="bloomberg">{{cite news |first=Andres |last=Martinez |title=Puerto Rico Has Fuel Supplies for 24 Days After Fire |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=aB0Eiyuq49pY |work=[[Bloomberg News]] |date=2009-10-23 |access-date=2009-10-25}}</ref>


The morning after the explosion, police started investigating a [[graffiti]] found near the [[Minillas Tunnel]] in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]] with the message: "Boom, fire, RIP, Gulf."<ref name="Explosion rocks"/> However, the FBI later determined that they were not painted by anyone connected to the explosion.<ref name="articles.cnn.com">[http://articles.cnn.com/2009-11-17/us/puerto.rico.fire.investigation_1_tank-farm-aboveground-tanks-storage-tank?_s=PM:US Puerto Rico fire linked to faulty gas tank monitoring system] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322142416/http://articles.cnn.com/2009-11-17/us/puerto.rico.fire.investigation_1_tank-farm-aboveground-tanks-storage-tank?_s=PM%3AUS |date=March 22, 2012 }} on [[CNN]] (November 17, 2009)</ref>
The morning after the explosion, police started investigating a [[graffiti]] found near the [[Minillas Tunnel]] in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]] with the message: "Boom, fire, RIP, Gulf."<ref name="Explosion rocks"/> However, the FBI later determined that they were not painted by anyone connected to the explosion.<ref name="CNN">[http://articles.cnn.com/2009-11-17/us/puerto.rico.fire.investigation_1_tank-farm-aboveground-tanks-storage-tank?_s=PM:US Puerto Rico fire linked to faulty gas tank monitoring system] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322142416/http://articles.cnn.com/2009-11-17/us/puerto.rico.fire.investigation_1_tank-farm-aboveground-tanks-storage-tank?_s=PM%3AUS |date=March 22, 2012 }} on [[CNN]] (November 17, 2009)</ref>
[[File:FEMA - 42401 - Fire crew at the burned out oil tanks after the refinery explosion in Puerto Rico.jpg|thumb|View of the damage caused to the vegetation and some of the tanks after the fire.]]
[[File:FEMA - 42401 - Fire crew at the burned out oil tanks after the refinery explosion in Puerto Rico.jpg|thumb|View of the damage caused to the vegetation and some of the tanks after the fire.]]
On October 30, 2009, the director of the FBI in Puerto Rico, Luis Fraticelli, said that more than 240 investigators analyzed the explosion and did not find evidence it was intentional.<ref name="EFE">{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/epa/article/ALeqM5jIeLYJ7oBWxogA2QU867XjKk-aEQ|title=Descartan el sabotaje como causa del incendio en la refinería|publisher=Agecnia EFE|language=es|access-date=2009-11-02}}</ref><ref>[http://www.elnuevodia.com/huelgauprpresidentadelossindicossereunioconjefedelfbi-863193.html ''Huelga UPR: Presidenta de los síndicos se reunió con jefe del FBI.''](In Spanish. English title: "University of Puerto Rico Strike: The president of the university's board of trustees met with the Director of the FBI.") Joel Ortiz Rivera and Gloria Ruiz Kuilan. El Nuevo Dia. January 13, 2011. News Section. Accessed January 16, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://nylatinojournal.com/home/puerto_rico_x/history/puerto_rico_s_october_revolution.html ''Puerto Rico’s October Revolution.''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826152927/http://nylatinojournal.com/home/puerto_rico_x/history/puerto_rico_s_october_revolution.html |date=2009-08-26 }} Juan Antonio Ocasio Rivera. New York Latino Journal. Accessed January 16, 2011.</ref> Authorities continued to investigate whether negligence was involved.<ref name="EFE" /> The next month, officials from the [[U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board]] announced that a malfunctioning tank fuel gauge led to the explosion. The faulty equipment prevented workers from noticing that one of the tanks was overflowing before the fuel vapors ignited<ref name="articles.cnn.com"/><ref>[http://www.prdailysun.com/index.php?page=news.article&id=1258514773 Faulty tank gauge led to Capeco explosion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328102340/http://www.prdailysun.com/index.php?page=news.article&id=1258514773 |date=2012-03-28 }} on ''[[Puerto Rico Daily Sun]]'' (November 18, 2009)</ref><ref>[http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9HIO1G89.htm Capeco files for bankruptcy, blames PR explosion] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826144551/http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9HIO1G89.htm |date=August 26, 2010 }} on BloombergBusinessWeek (August 13, 2010)</ref> after coming into contact with electrical equipment.<ref>{{cite AV media| url-status = live| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/2Bn4Krb-HoI| archive-date = 2021-12-11| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Bn4Krb-HoI| title = Excerpt from Upcoming CSB Safety Video "Filling Blind" | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
On October 30, 2009, the director of the FBI in Puerto Rico, Luis Fraticelli, said that more than 240 investigators analyzed the explosion and did not find evidence it was intentional.<ref name="EFE">{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/epa/article/ALeqM5jIeLYJ7oBWxogA2QU867XjKk-aEQ|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124211907/http://www.google.com/hostednews/epa/article/ALeqM5jIeLYJ7oBWxogA2QU867XjKk-aEQ|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 24, 2013|title=Descartan el sabotaje como causa del incendio en la refinería|publisher=Agecnia EFE|language=es|access-date=2009-11-02}}</ref><ref>[http://www.elnuevodia.com/huelgauprpresidentadelossindicossereunioconjefedelfbi-863193.html ''Huelga UPR: Presidenta de los síndicos se reunió con jefe del FBI.''](In Spanish. English title: "University of Puerto Rico Strike: The president of the university's board of trustees met with the Director of the FBI.") Joel Ortiz Rivera and Gloria Ruiz Kuilan. El Nuevo Dia. January 13, 2011. News Section. Accessed January 16, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://nylatinojournal.com/home/puerto_rico_x/history/puerto_rico_s_october_revolution.html ''Puerto Rico’s October Revolution.''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826152927/http://nylatinojournal.com/home/puerto_rico_x/history/puerto_rico_s_october_revolution.html |date=2009-08-26 }} Juan Antonio Ocasio Rivera. New York Latino Journal. Accessed January 16, 2011.</ref> Authorities continued to investigate whether negligence was involved.<ref name="EFE" /> The next month, officials from the [[U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board]] announced that a malfunctioning tank fuel gauge led to the explosion. The faulty equipment prevented workers from noticing that one of the tanks was overflowing before the fuel vapors ignited<ref name="CNN"/><ref>[http://www.prdailysun.com/index.php?page=news.article&id=1258514773 Faulty tank gauge led to Capeco explosion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328102340/http://www.prdailysun.com/index.php?page=news.article&id=1258514773 |date=2012-03-28 }} on ''[[Puerto Rico Daily Sun]]'' (November 18, 2009)</ref><ref>[http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9HIO1G89.htm Capeco files for bankruptcy, blames PR explosion] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826144551/http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9HIO1G89.htm |date=August 26, 2010 }} on BloombergBusinessWeek (August 13, 2010)</ref> after coming into contact with electrical equipment.<ref>{{cite AV media| url-status = live| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/2Bn4Krb-HoI| archive-date = 2021-12-11| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Bn4Krb-HoI| title = Excerpt from Upcoming CSB Safety Video "Filling Blind" | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
The day after the explosion, a [[lawsuit]] was filed in the Federal District Court of [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]] against [[Caribbean Petroleum Corporation]] and [[MAPFRE]] Insurance Company. MAPFRE was later removed from the lawsuit. The action was filed by lawyers John Navares, Camilo Salas, and Daniel Becnel.<ref>[https://blogs.wsj.com/law/2009/10/23/quick-work-first-lawsuit-hits-over-fridays-explosion-in-pr/ First Lawsuit Hits Over Friday's Explosion in P.R.] on ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' Blogs; Jones, Ashby (October 23, 2009)</ref> On December 11, 2009, a third joint lawsuit was presented against Caribbean Petroleum Corp. by 1,000 defendants seeking $500 million in damages.<ref>[http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Carib-petrol Caribbean Petroleum Corporation slapped with third suit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629110227/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Carib-petrol |date=2011-06-29 }} on ''[[Jamaica Observer]]'' (December 11, 2009)</ref><ref>[http://repeatingislands.com/2009/12/12/legal-action-taken-against-the-caribbean-petroleum-company-2/ Legal Action Taken Against the Caribbean Petroleum Company] on RepeatingIslands; Romero, Ivette (December 12, 2009)</ref>
The day after the explosion, a [[lawsuit]] was filed in the Federal District Court of [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]] against [[Caribbean Petroleum Corporation]] and [[MAPFRE]] Insurance Company. MAPFRE was later removed from the lawsuit. The action was filed by lawyers John Navares, Camilo Salas, and Daniel Becnel.<ref>[https://blogs.wsj.com/law/2009/10/23/quick-work-first-lawsuit-hits-over-fridays-explosion-in-pr/ First Lawsuit Hits Over Friday's Explosion in P.R.] on ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' Blogs; Jones, Ashby (October 23, 2009)</ref> On December 11, 2009, a third joint lawsuit was presented against Caribbean Petroleum Corp. by 1,000 defendants seeking $500 million in damages.<ref>[http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Carib-petrol Caribbean Petroleum Corporation slapped with third suit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629110227/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Carib-petrol |date=2011-06-29 }} on ''[[Jamaica Observer]]'' (December 11, 2009)</ref><ref>[http://repeatingislands.com/2009/12/12/legal-action-taken-against-the-caribbean-petroleum-company-2/ Legal Action Taken Against the Caribbean Petroleum Company] on RepeatingIslands; Romero, Ivette (December 12, 2009)</ref>


On August 2010, Caribbean Petroleum Corporation filed for [[bankruptcy]] under [[Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code|Chapter 11]]. The company cited debts of $500 million to $1 billion, against assets of $100 million to $500 million, according to the filing. The filing came after the company failed to comply with [[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]] orders to clean the site of the explosion. Caribbean Petroleum claimed their financial situation prevented them from doing the work, and EPA took over the cleaning process.<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-13/caribbean-petroleum-seeks-bankruptcy-protection-after-harbor-explosion.html Caribbean Petroleum Seeks Bankruptcy Protection After Harbor Explosion] on [[Bloomberg.com]]; Schneider, Joe (August 13, 2010)</ref><ref>[http://delawarebankruptcy.foxrothschild.com/2010/08/articles/bankruptcy-case-summary/caribbean-petroleum-files-for-bankruptcy-following-explosion-at-petroleum-tank-farm/ Caribbean Petroleum Files for Bankruptcy Following Explosion at Petroleum Tank Farm] on Delaware Bankruptcy Litigation; Cornell, Jason (August 16, 2010)</ref>
In August 2010, Caribbean Petroleum Corporation filed for [[bankruptcy]] under [[Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code|Chapter 11]]. The company cited debts of $500 million to $1 billion, against assets of $100 million to $500 million, according to the filing. The filing came after the company failed to comply with [[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]] orders to clean the site of the explosion. Caribbean Petroleum claimed their financial situation prevented them from doing the work, and EPA took over the cleaning process.<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-13/caribbean-petroleum-seeks-bankruptcy-protection-after-harbor-explosion.html Caribbean Petroleum Seeks Bankruptcy Protection After Harbor Explosion] on [[Bloomberg.com]]; Schneider, Joe (August 13, 2010)</ref><ref>[http://delawarebankruptcy.foxrothschild.com/2010/08/articles/bankruptcy-case-summary/caribbean-petroleum-files-for-bankruptcy-following-explosion-at-petroleum-tank-farm/ Caribbean Petroleum Files for Bankruptcy Following Explosion at Petroleum Tank Farm] on Delaware Bankruptcy Litigation; Cornell, Jason (August 16, 2010)</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 84: Line 83:
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20161109123952/http://www.csb.gov/file.aspx?DocumentId=714 Summary Report] from [[U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board]] (CSB)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20161109123952/http://www.csb.gov/file.aspx?DocumentId=714 Summary Report] from [[U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board]] (CSB)
* {{youtube|id=41QMaJqxqIo|title=CSB video presentation on the fire}}
* {{youtube|id=41QMaJqxqIo|title=CSB video presentation on the fire}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110708121342/http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=36632&ct_id=1 Caribbean Business: Feds launch probe of fuel depot fire]
*{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110708121342/http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=36632&ct_id=1 Caribbean Business: Feds launch probe of fuel depot fire]}}
*[http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/10/23/puerto.rico.explosion/ CNN article on fire and possibly related "Boom, fire, RIP, Gulf, Soul, ACNF." graffiti]
*[http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/10/23/puerto.rico.explosion/ CNN article on fire and possibly related "Boom, fire, RIP, Gulf, Soul, ACNF." graffiti]


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[[Category:Fires in Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:Fires in Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:History of the petroleum industry]]
[[Category:History of the petroleum industry]]
[[Category:Industrial fires and explosions]]
[[Category:Industrial fires and explosions in the United States]]
[[Category:October 2009 events in North America]]
[[Category:October 2009 events in North America]]
[[Category:Petroleum in Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:Petroleum in Puerto Rico]]

Latest revision as of 20:57, 20 December 2024

CAPECO explosion
Aerial view of the fire and the resulting smoke cloud
DateOctober 23, 2009; 15 years ago (2009-10-23)
Time12:23am (AST)
LocationCaribbean Petroleum Corporation oil refinery and oil depot
Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Coordinates18°24′59″N 66°07′54″W / 18.4165°N 66.1316°W / 18.4165; -66.1316
Also known asCAPECO explosion
CauseMalfunctioning tank fuel gauge
Deaths0
Non-fatal injuries3
Property damageSeveral buildings and oil tanks damaged

The 2009 Cataño oil refinery fire, also known as the CAPECO explosion, was a fire that began with an explosion on October 23, 2009, and was extinguished on October 25 at the Caribbean Petroleum Corporation (CAPECO) oil refinery and oil depot in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.[1] While the fire and subsequent explosion occurred close to the city of Cataño, it technically occurred within the borders of Bayamón, even though Cataño was more affected by fumes and evacuation. There were no fatalities, but 3 people were injured.

Event

[edit]
A picture taken minutes after the explosion from Río Piedras

The initial explosion destroyed eleven storage tanks at the facility, but quickly spread to other nearby tanks. The tanks contained gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel. The resulting explosion was measured as equivalent to a 2.8-magnitude earthquake on the Richter magnitude scale.[1] The tanks exploded at approximately 12:23 a.m. and could be heard in places as far away as Cidra, 11 miles away and shook windows and doors over two miles away. At some point the flames reached a height of 100 feet (30 m) above the refinery.[1]

The explosion caused 30 million US gallons (110,000 m3) of petroleum to be released into bodies of water and neighboring wetlands of the San Juan Bay, resulting in dead wildlife and a major health impact to the population.[2] Environmental assessments conducted by the EPA, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources (PR DNR) found dead wildlife and both aquatic and avian species, including several legally protected species, covered in oil. Millions of dollars in damage were seen by neighboring communities. After the event, about 600 people were using shelters in Cataño, Guaynabo, and Toa Baja.[3]

The five workers that were present at the plant at the moment managed to escape in time. Several drivers were injured when the explosion shattered the glass in their cars, two people suffered minor injuries at the nearby Fort Buchanan of the U.S. Army, and four other people sought help for respiratory problems.[4]

Initial Response

[edit]
Firefighter inside the Gulf explosion perimeter

The call came to the Puerto Rico 9-1-1 office at 12:27 am. The Puerto Rico Fire Department stations of Bayamón and Cataño responded to the call once the tanks exploded. Later, due to the seriousness of the situation, PRFD had to make the decision to urgently call fire stations island-wide. Puerto Rico Police Department closed the De Diego Expressway due to the danger of the situation and a helicopter was patrolling the area. In less than one hour, firefighters from San Juan, Bayamón, Cataño, Toa Baja, Guaynabo, Carolina and Trujillo Alto responded to the urgent call. Other stations from other parts of Puerto Rico such as Ponce, Caguas, Arecibo, Humacao, and even Ft. Buchanan also responded to the scene. One hundred and thirty firefighters, with the support of the Puerto Rico National Guard, responded to the fire. Fifteen hundred residents were evacuated from four adjacent communities. Also, San Juan, Carolina and Bayamón city fire departments and the Luis Muñoz Marín Airport Crash and Rescue responded to the call.[1] As a result of the smoke cloud, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration diverted plane traffic.[4]

Visible satellite image taken by NASA's Terra Satellite showing the large area covered by black smoke produced by the fire.

To avoid further explosions, firefighters attempted to chill the remaining tanks to keep them from exploding. Also, dozens of fuel trucks were being moved from the area. Due to the smoke cloud, authorities evacuated several communities downwind from it, as well as 80 people living in a secure facility for Justice Department witnesses. Governor Luis Fortuño canceled classes at nearby schools as well.[5]

Local Response

[edit]
Caribbean Gulf Petroleum Explosion from Baldrich, Hato Rey

Puerto Rico Governor Luis Fortuño declared a state of emergency, and activated the Puerto Rico National Guard to support firefighters and aid the injured. Also, schools in the San Juan Metro Area were cancelled for the day, some schools near the explosion area were closed until 4 days after the explosion due to people who were evacuated.[1]

Governmental Aid

[edit]

President Barack Obama separately declared a federal state of emergency in Puerto Rico, clearing the way for U.S. federal agencies to coordinate disaster relief and authorizing the use of federal funds.[6] Fighting the fire has cost the local Puerto Rican government more than $6.4 million, as of October 25.[6] The United States Army announced that the explosion and fire had closed nearby Fort Buchanan until further notice.[7]

Authorities built a temporary pipe to San Juan Bay in order to bring seawater to extinguish the fire, but the fire was extinguished before it could be used.[8] Fire fighting foam was supplied from the nearby United States Virgin Islands.[8] Luis Fortuño announced on October 25 that the fire had been extinguished,[9] and estimated the initial cost to fight the fire at $6.4 million.[10]

Investigation

[edit]
External videos
video icon Filling Blind (11:08), CSB Safety Video [11]

On the days after the explosion, more than 60 agents from both the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were dispatched to the Caribbean Petroleum Corp. in Bayamón, just west of San Juan, to aid in the investigation, said ATF spokesman Marcial Orlando Felix. Several agents flew in from the U.S. Mainland.[10]

The Caribbean Petroleum Corporation supplies most of Puerto Rico's oil and gasoline, which is marketed under the Gulf Oil brand name, but only 10 percent is managed from this plant. Government officials said at the time that Puerto Rico had enough fuel and diesel to last for 24 days after the disaster.[12]

The morning after the explosion, police started investigating a graffiti found near the Minillas Tunnel in San Juan with the message: "Boom, fire, RIP, Gulf."[4] However, the FBI later determined that they were not painted by anyone connected to the explosion.[13]

View of the damage caused to the vegetation and some of the tanks after the fire.

On October 30, 2009, the director of the FBI in Puerto Rico, Luis Fraticelli, said that more than 240 investigators analyzed the explosion and did not find evidence it was intentional.[14][15][16] Authorities continued to investigate whether negligence was involved.[14] The next month, officials from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board announced that a malfunctioning tank fuel gauge led to the explosion. The faulty equipment prevented workers from noticing that one of the tanks was overflowing before the fuel vapors ignited[13][17][18] after coming into contact with electrical equipment.[19]

Aftermath

[edit]

The day after the explosion, a lawsuit was filed in the Federal District Court of San Juan against Caribbean Petroleum Corporation and MAPFRE Insurance Company. MAPFRE was later removed from the lawsuit. The action was filed by lawyers John Navares, Camilo Salas, and Daniel Becnel.[20] On December 11, 2009, a third joint lawsuit was presented against Caribbean Petroleum Corp. by 1,000 defendants seeking $500 million in damages.[21][22]

In August 2010, Caribbean Petroleum Corporation filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11. The company cited debts of $500 million to $1 billion, against assets of $100 million to $500 million, according to the filing. The filing came after the company failed to comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency orders to clean the site of the explosion. Caribbean Petroleum claimed their financial situation prevented them from doing the work, and EPA took over the cleaning process.[23][24]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "Evacuation from Puerto Rico fire". BBC News. 2009-10-24. Retrieved 2009-10-25.
  2. ^ EJOLT. "CAPECO disaster, Puerto Rico | EJAtlas". Environmental Justice Atlas. Retrieved 2020-04-22.
  3. ^ U.S. CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD (June 2015). "Final Investigation Report. CARIBBEAN PETROLEUM TANK TERMINAL EXPLOSION AND MULTIPLE TANK FIRES" (PDF). CSB. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c Explosion rocks Gulf facility on Puerto Rico on NBC News; Associated Press (10/23/2009)
  5. ^ Puerto Rico explosion at Gulf gasoline plant creates massive cloud of toxic smoke on New York Daily News; Associated Press (October 23, 2009)
  6. ^ a b Martinez, Andres (2009-10-25). "Puerto Rico oil fire burns uncontrolled". United Press International. Retrieved 2009-10-25.
  7. ^ "Fort Buchanan remains closed due to the fire". Caribbean Business. 2009-10-25. Archived from the original on 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2009-10-25.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  8. ^ a b "Winds shift as fire burns Puerto Rican oil depot". Reuters. 2009-10-24. Retrieved 2009-10-25.
  9. ^ Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (2009-10-26). "Puerto Rico Fire Extinguished". Earthtimes. Archived from the original on 2013-04-14. Retrieved 2009-10-26.
  10. ^ a b Coto, Danila (2009-10-25). "Feds probe cause of PR fuel depot fire". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 2013-01-20. Retrieved 2009-10-26.
  11. ^ "CSB Safety Video". CSB. 21 October 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2016.
  12. ^ Martinez, Andres (2009-10-23). "Puerto Rico Has Fuel Supplies for 24 Days After Fire". Bloomberg News. Retrieved 2009-10-25.
  13. ^ a b Puerto Rico fire linked to faulty gas tank monitoring system Archived March 22, 2012, at the Wayback Machine on CNN (November 17, 2009)
  14. ^ a b "Descartan el sabotaje como causa del incendio en la refinería" (in Spanish). Agecnia EFE. Archived from the original on January 24, 2013. Retrieved 2009-11-02.
  15. ^ Huelga UPR: Presidenta de los síndicos se reunió con jefe del FBI.(In Spanish. English title: "University of Puerto Rico Strike: The president of the university's board of trustees met with the Director of the FBI.") Joel Ortiz Rivera and Gloria Ruiz Kuilan. El Nuevo Dia. January 13, 2011. News Section. Accessed January 16, 2011.
  16. ^ Puerto Rico’s October Revolution. Archived 2009-08-26 at the Wayback Machine Juan Antonio Ocasio Rivera. New York Latino Journal. Accessed January 16, 2011.
  17. ^ Faulty tank gauge led to Capeco explosion Archived 2012-03-28 at the Wayback Machine on Puerto Rico Daily Sun (November 18, 2009)
  18. ^ Capeco files for bankruptcy, blames PR explosion Archived August 26, 2010, at the Wayback Machine on BloombergBusinessWeek (August 13, 2010)
  19. ^ Excerpt from Upcoming CSB Safety Video "Filling Blind". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-11.
  20. ^ First Lawsuit Hits Over Friday's Explosion in P.R. on The Wall Street Journal Blogs; Jones, Ashby (October 23, 2009)
  21. ^ Caribbean Petroleum Corporation slapped with third suit Archived 2011-06-29 at the Wayback Machine on Jamaica Observer (December 11, 2009)
  22. ^ Legal Action Taken Against the Caribbean Petroleum Company on RepeatingIslands; Romero, Ivette (December 12, 2009)
  23. ^ Caribbean Petroleum Seeks Bankruptcy Protection After Harbor Explosion on Bloomberg.com; Schneider, Joe (August 13, 2010)
  24. ^ Caribbean Petroleum Files for Bankruptcy Following Explosion at Petroleum Tank Farm on Delaware Bankruptcy Litigation; Cornell, Jason (August 16, 2010)
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