Officials in Venezuela say at least 19 people are dead after a huge explosion rocked the nation’s biggest oil refinery.

Reports indicate the massive blast at the Amuay Refinery also injured at least 50 other people.

The country’s oil minister says the blast occurred when a gas leak created a large gaseous cloud that eventually ignited.

Nearby houses were also damaged by the blast, according to officials.

The refinery, located in north-western Venezuela, processes about 650,000 barrels of oil a day.