Covering Louisiana
Deaths in platform fire unconfirmed
Posted: Nov 16, 2012 11:05 AM by Tonya LaCoste
Updated: Nov 16, 2012 11:32 AM
There are multiple updates to this story. Please click here to get the latest information.
Despite other media reporting two deaths in the platform explosion, KATC has not confirmed this. KHOU in Houston initially reported two deaths, but the Black Elk Energy employee the TV station credits with giving them the information will not confirm the statement to KATC. Instead, he's referring us to the company's public relations spokesperson. KHOU credits Kirk Trascher, however when KATC talked to Trascher, he said, "We cannot confirm or deny anything at this time, but we are assembling an incident command team right now." The PR spokesperson he referred us to is not answering any calls at this time.
The U.S. Coast Guard, as of 11:20 a.m., has no reports of deaths. Four people were injured and airlifted to West Jefferson Hospital, and two people are missing, according the Coast Guard. We do not know yet the extent of injuries.
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