An explosion at a rig operated by state-run oil company PDVSA in Venezuela's Apure state left at least eight workers wounded late on Sunday, sources said on Monday.
The people were transported to neighboring Colombia for medical assistance, according to the sources and videos on social media.
The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear, and no additional information about the condition of the injured workers was immediately available.
PDVSA remains central to Venezuela's oil industry
PDVSA is Venezuela's state-run oil company and oversees the country's oil production and exports.
Earlier this year, Reuters reported that the United States and Venezuela reached an agreement to export up to $2 billion worth of Venezuelan crude to the United States, a move intended to help Venezuela avoid deeper production cuts while redirecting supplies from China. The agreement underscored PDVSA's central role in the country's energy sector.
Oil sector has undergone policy changes
In January, the Trump administration eased some sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry, allowing US companies to invest in the sector while continuing to exclude firms from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba. Reuters reported that the policy was intended to encourage US investment in Venezuela's oil industry following political changes in the country.
The sanctions changes were part of broader efforts to increase activity in Venezuela's energy sector, where PDVSA remains the key state-owned operator.
Cause of blast remains unclear
PDVSA had not publicly commented on Sunday's explosion by the time of publication.
It was not immediately clear whether the incident would affect operations at the rig in Apure state.