Gasoline explosion kills 7 in rural town

europe.cnn.com Tuesday, January 14, 2003 Posted: 2238 GMT

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- The ongoing oil strike may have taken a deadly toll in rural Venezuela.

Seven people died and four suffered third degree burns Tuesday, when improperly stored gasoline exploded at a residence in the rural town of Tucani, located approximately 500 kilometers (300 miles) west of Caracas.

Fuel shortages caused by a six-week-old general strike have prompted many Venezuelans to stockpile gasoline using containers unfit for such purposes. Warnings by state authorities against inappropriate storage and transportation of gasoline have been largely ignored by the population.

"Three containers with gasoline exploded, but we still don't know what caused the explosion," said Oli Chacon, a spokeswoman for the Merida state firefighters, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

Opposition groups, including the country's leading trade union and business chamber, called the work stoppage on December 2nd, to force President Hugo Chavez from office.

Chavez, a former paratroop commander who was elected in 1999 and re-elected two years later, has downplayed calls for his resignation and fresh elections.

Food and fuel shortages caused by the strike have caused disturbances, many occurring in regions with insufficient fuel supplies.

On Monday night, dozens looking for propane cooking gas looted three businesses in the coastal town of Guiria, located 475 kilometers (285 miles) east of the capital.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, an officer at the local National Guard garrison said three looters were injured when troops moved to restore order. Troops used tear gas to disperse looters.

Armed looters fired at electric transformers, the officer added, interrupting electricity in the town for five hours. Three were injured. No arrests were made.