'This Is Venezuela' Says Dismayed Local as Substation Explodes Nearby

An electrical substation exploded in Maracaibo, Venezuela, in the early hours of August 31.A local reporter, Gustavo Ocando Alex, said on Twitter that the fire took place in the residential area of Tierra Negra. The fire came as the area was already experiencing energy rationing, according to Ocando Alex. No injuries were reported.Ocando Alex said that the substation’s problems dated from 2013. Others saw the fire as a manifestation of Venezuela’s crippling economic crisis. “Our electrical system in ruins,” wrote one.In a series of videos posted on Twitter, local businessman Angel David Sardi documented explosions and sparks seen around Maracaibo. “This is Venezuela” a voice comments in one of the video. Credit: Angel David Sardi via Storyful