Depot Fire Ignites Fears on Global Oil Market
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A fire raging at an oil depot in southern Britain sent toxic smoke as far away as France and caused jitters on the global oil market as firefighters struggled to douse the flames with chemical foam.
Authorities said they believed the explosions Sunday at the Buncefield depot in Hemel Hempstead, north of London, were accidental, but would examine other possible causes, including terrorism. The terminal stores 4.2 million gallons of fuel, and the fire has raised questions about safety at the nation’s oil facilities.
Police said the ferocity of the blaze would make it extremely difficult for forensic experts to determine its exact cause.
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