Major Libyan oil plant ablaze

March 5, 2011

A major Libyan oil plant was ablaze last night as fresh fighting raged across the country leaving at least 50 dead – including 30 civilians and two rebel commanders.

It is unclear whether the facility in the port area of Zueitina, south of the rebel-held city of Benghazi, was deliberately set on fire or whether the blaze was triggered in battles.

Flames and clouds of black smoke engulfed the oil terminal, which can produce 500,000 barrels a day.