Caracas: At least 24 people killed in a massive explosion that has ripped through Venezuela's largest oil refinery.
Responding to media, country's Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez has said Saturday's blast in northwestern Venezuela was caused by a leak that generated an explosive cloud of gas.
An investigation was underway to determine what caused the leak at the Amuay facility, which is part of the Paraguana refining complex.
The explosion sparked fires at the refinery and damaged nearby homes. Vice President Elias Jaua traveled to the sites.He said most of those killed were members of the country's National Guard.
According to investigators, more than 80 people were injured.
The Paraguana facility is one of the biggest refinery complexes in the world. Ramirez says he expects production at the site to resume within two days.