World

U.S. Coast Guard officials say an oil rig has exploded off the coast of Louisiana, sending four people to hospitals. Two people are thought to be missing.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Lally did not immediately have more information on victims.

The production platform is owned by Black Elk Energy and is about 25 miles (40 kilometres) southeast of Grand Isle, Louisiana.

Lally says he does not know if the fire caused by the explosion had been put out.

There was no immediate word if any oil had spilled from the platform.