[Happy2BMe]

"Your problem here, is that you fail to understand that these things happen all the time in the oilfield, but you and the media failed to take note in the past. This is a dangerous industry and things happen all the time ... pipelines blow up, chemical fires, refineries catch fire, ships sink, wells blow out, rig's collapse, sink, burn....."

I couldn't agree more except for a few small deviations:

#1: This was not an oil field.

#2: This was not an oil rig in the ocean.

#3: This occurred under (otherwise) strict controlled conditions with strinent safety precautions enforced at all times.

#4: This has NEVER occurred before at this location - EVER.

#5: We are at war with Islamic terrorists (much to the disliking of this fact being presented as being even a far or distant factor).

#6: Accessability was high.

#7: (Possible) Target was a critical asset.

#8: (Possible) Targets in the immediate area were greater than the target hit.

#9: (Possible) Targets not hit could have been the PRIMARY targets.

#10: National security threat/terrorist alert is high.

[wheels]

Wrong, oh great knower of all things. As to your assumption number 4, a barge blew up here in the 90s, but without such a large fire. I know because I live here. Where are you that you know so much?

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

Well you have created a nice list there. I would make a bet with you that it turns out to be an accident ...... however I'm not sure that ANYTHING will convince you of that ..... and I never make bets that I have NO chance of wining.

Stay safe.