One missing, six hurt after oil rig explosion in Louisiana

The scene of the explosion. Photo / Twitter

At least six people were injured in a large explosion on an oil rig operating in Louisiana's Lake Pontchartrain.

Smoke and fire were visible from the shore in the blaze on Sunday night local time.

Local resident Roger Fernandez filmed the aftermath of the explosion, saying that it was "still popping and flaming away."

He felt the explosion at his house from about two blocks away from where he was filming.

One missing, 6 injured in Lake Pontchartrain oil rig explosion near north Kenner https://t.co/rODPuRtSzN via @theadvocateno

— LA Enviro Action Net (@laenviro) October 16, 2017

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The (New Orleans) Advocate, citing Jefferson Parish officials, reported that one person was missing and that six had been hospitalised.

Kenner Police Department spokesman Brian McGregor said that there were "a lot of injuries," with at least six confirmed and more expected. Many of the injuries were serious, he added.

Officials with St. Charles Parish, located northwest of New Orleans, tweeted that the rig was "currently on fire" late Sunday.

Witnesses said they heard a large explosion around 7:45pm local time.