Seven people were injured in an oil rig explosion in Louisiana.

In the US state of Louisiana on an oil drilling platform, seven people were injured as a result of an explosion, the Associated Press reports , citing Kenner City Police Department spokesman Brian McGregor.

The drilling platform is operated by Clovelly Oil.

Five people are in the medical center at the university "with injuries and burns", their condition is assessed as critical. The condition of two other victims is stable.

According to the city authorities, oil could end up in Lake Pontchartrain. The Coast Guard will assess the quality of the water in the lake. Drinking water in the area remains safe.