Officials pin point cause of rig explosion - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Officials pin point cause of rig explosion

GULF OF MEXICO (WLBT) - There are new developments Wednesday surrounding the coastal crisis in the Gulf of Mexico.  Officials said they have a definitive reason for the well explosion, and a new video gives a first look at the spill underwater. 

A video released by BP showed oil spewing from a yellowish-broken pipe 5,000 feet below the surface.  It gives a not-yet-seen glimpse of the well now releasing about 210,000 gallons per day underwater.

Meanwhile, crews have lowered the "top hat" containment dome to the gulf floor and could have it over the leak in the next 24 hours.

Additionally, the congressional investigation into the cause of the spill has uncovered problems with the blowout preventer, a key safety device on the rig.

After a briefing on the coast Wednesday, Governor Haley Barbour said no oil has reached the state's shores, but he said Mississippi is prepared to protect its shoreline from the impending oil.

"Our main focus is to defend in depth as far out a manageable, the shore, to protect the fragile sensitive areas that are critical to the marine life," said Barbour.

The governor said about 9,000 people have volunteered, and 315 vessels have signed up to clean up the oil.

To find out how you can volunteer you can call 1-800-448-5816.

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