A huge explosion that generated a tremendous blast wave shook the surrounding area of the Amouy refinery in Venezuela this morning.

The blast occurred at shortly after 1 am, when a gas leak created a massive cloud that was sparked off killing at least 24 and injuring another 50.

The huge explosion shut down production at Venezuela’s largest refinery as the blast caused fires in two tanks and areas surrounding the refinery. The blast damaged several homes in the area, but the state governor, Stella Lugo said that the fire is under control.

Troops moved in and secured the area. Fuel was shut off to the affected areas of the plant.

Venezuela’s Energy minister, Rafael Ramirez, said that the operation has shut down but expects the refinery, that produces approximately 645,000 barrels of fuel a day, will be back up and running within two days.

Ramirez also said that the disruption will not affect the country’s fuel situation and that the country has enough fuel supplies for domestic needs as well as enough to continue with current levels of export.

The source and cause of the leak and the resulting blast are still unknown and refinery workers are investigating the scene to determine the immediate cause.