TWO engineers have had a lucky escape following a catastrophic explosion on the world's largest oil rig.

Paul Raine, from Redcar, and Andy Stayman, from Middlesbrough, were on the Spirit of Columbus platform, off the coast of Brazil, when it was hit by three blasts. The explosion killed ten people and the oil rig is now sinking after one of its legs collapsed.

It is understood the two men were among the 160 people saved thanks to the quick action of rescue workers, who evacuated the rig while firefighters tackled the flames.

Mr Stayman was reportedly hurled down a corridor by the force of the blast