BREAKING: Louisiana ‘explosion’ – USA oil rig blaze leaves six injured near New Orleans

Local Police confirmed they were tackling the oil rig explosion on Lake Pontchartrain, which borders New Orleans, in the St. Charles Parish and north Kenner.

The blast could be felt for miles around as the smell of burning rubber filled the air around the lake.

Speaking to local media nearby resident Andrew Love said: “My house actually shook.

“At first I thought it was a sonic boom or something, I had no idea what was happening.”

Local officials confirmed they were “aware that an oil rig is currently on fire in Lake Pontchartrain and that it caused the loud sound earlier tonight.” 

In a statement St Charles Parish officials said: “The Emergency Operations Center is aware that an oil platform is currently on fire in Lake Pontchartrain and that it caused the loud sound earlier tonight. 

“Officials are responding.”

More to follow…