Fuel tanker explosion kills firefighter in Colombia

Barranquilla, Colombia, Dec 21 (EFE).- A firefighter died Wednesday while battling a massive fire that led to a fuel tanker explosion in the industrial zone of the northern Colombian city of Barranquilla, paralyzing all port operations.

Javier Solano Ruiz, 53, lost his life after he fell and bumped his head during the explosion, fire department chief Jaime Perez told local media.

The fire erupted at 4.30 am (9.30 GMT) at the headquarters of Compas Associated Ports Company located on the banks of the Magdalena River and, according to the fire department, would be brought under control within at least three days.

“The goal is to prevent the flames from spreading to other tankers that are in the warehouse,” Perez said.

The port of Barranquilla reported that all morning operations have been suspended since 5.00 am, as the Colombian Coast Guard continued to monitor the situation.EFE

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