Dozens Missing, One Dead From Burning Azerbaijani Oil Rig

Azerbaijani media report that one person has died and at least 30 workers are missing after a fire broke out on an oil rig in the Caspian Sea.

The Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR says at least 32 workers from the oil rig have been rescued.

A search operation is under way for the missing workers.

The SOCAR-owned rig caught fire late on December 4 when the company said a gas line was damaged by heavy winds.

Officials said stormy weather was making it difficult to extinguish the flames.

A joint statement issued by the country's Emergency Situations Ministry, Proscutor-General's Office, and SOCAR said a criminal inquiry has been launched into the accident.

With reporting by AP and Azertag