A storage tank of a capacity of 500 barrels exploded at 4.30 p.m. Bogota time on Monday on the Ocelote field in Colombia causing the death of three employees working for external companies and present on the field, 100% field operator Maurel & Prom reported.

Other tanks of a similar capacity were also destroyed or damaged. However, the company said the effect on the field's production should be non-significant.

An inquiry is taking place to determine the origin of this accident, which the company said seems purely accidental at this stage.