Ceona Governor Asks For Federal Review Of Refinery Blast

Governor says blast should be 'investiated to the fullest'


PARKINS, CEONA--Governor Christine Gabler has asked for a federal review of the oil refinery blast that killed 16 people and injured 11 others last week, her office confirmed Thursday.

The governor is asking President Brenton Menuhaeo and Energy Secretary Saul Keppelsbacher for an official federal review of the accident, which will provide in-depth analysis of the accident and what could have been prevented. Investigations are already under way into the cause of the accident, with agencies such as the National Energy Task Force (NETF) and the Bureau of Energy Oversight (BEO) participating in active investigations.

But a federal review, if granted, would allow more agencies to assist, and would provide a more extensive investigation be conducted. Officials from the Ceona State Department of Energy have also been conducting their own investigation.

In a statement, Gabler said she believes a federal review is "most appropriate," and would "provide the level of detail and certainty needed in this inquiry."

"A federal review would provide us with all the answers that are attainable, and would allow state and local, as well as federal, officials to proceed in the appropriate manner," the statement said.

Gabler has also asked for an independent investigation into Winsden Oil Co., who owns the refinery. The company has cooperated so far with investigators, GNN was told.

So far, the origin of the blast has been determined. Investigators believe the blast originated in a partially-filled oil drum on the northwest side of the complex. However, the cause is still unknown.

In a statement, Winsden said it is "cooperating with all investigators involved in the process," and hopes to "find answers to help bring closure to the families and to shed light on how to prevent future accidents."

A spokesman for the Energy Department said that Deputy Energy Secretary Sie Leventhal is on the scene of the blast in the eastern Ceona town of Clydesdale. Secretary Keppelsbacher has been traveling back and forth from Clydesdale to Mavocke, the spokesman said.

Collester has not yet confirmed if a federal review will be granted by the president, however, aides to both the governor and the president believe a review will be granted.