The previous cap over the well's riser pipe was ill-fitting.

As it spewed up the riser pipe and engulfed the platform, alarms rang out and explosions began to tear the rig apart.

Instead of burning, emergency workers are relying on chemical dispersants being injected by submersibles directly into the leaks in the collapsed riser pipe that connected the wellhead to the rig.

A narrow riser pipe extends from the air chamber up to the higher elevation to which the water will be pumped.

As air accumulates, pressure builds, which will push water up into the riser pipe.