By Sue-Ann Wayow
SAN FERNANDO – Four employees of Ramco Industries Ltd had to be rushed to hospital on Thursday evening after being injured in a fire at the compound that contains hundreds of tanks of propane and liquified petroleum gas (LPG).
Prayers are with the injured men and their families as they are being treated at the San Fernando General Hospital. Two are said to be in critical condition.
The distress call was made to the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Services (TTFS) around 6.57 pm.
Acting Divisional Fire Officer for the Southern Division, Ron Adams told AZP News in an update at 9.30 pm that fire tenders were dispatched from stations at Mon Repos, Siparia and Chaguanas. Some 24 fire officers including senior officers responded.
The fire occurred at the southern end of the building located at Shafik Drive, Cross Crossing, San Fernando where propane cylinders would have been located and hydrostatic testing was being done.
He said the fire was extinguished within one hour using water and foam to cool the tanks. Leaking tanks were isolated and the area deemed safe for further investigation which was ongoing by Acting Assistant Divisional Fire Officer Stewart.
Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal, who is also the MP for the area, visited the site and met with the owners of the establishment, the Rahaman family.
@azpnews.com Current situation at Ramco Industries in San Fernando at 9 pm. Fire officers are still assessing the fire that took place around 7 pm. Video: Sue-Ann Wayow @ramcogastt @ttfireservice #ramco #fire #firedamage #sanfernando #gasfire
He also received a briefing from the TTFS and from the police.
Dr Moonilal said, “The fire service acted, we are informed quite professionally and had adequate resources to extinguish the blaze and get the blaze under control with both water and foam.
“Regrettably four employees have been injured, they have been taken to the San Fernando General Hospital. We understand two may be serious and we are monitoring that in collaboration with the health authorities and (Health) Minister Lackram Bodoe himself was informed, and gave a report on this matter as well. We expect that they will get the best medical help that is needed at this time.”
He said, “The families and the injured men are of deep concern to us and they are in our prayers for a speedy recovery from this really tragic incident.”
Tomorrow, a preliminary report is expected from the TTFS and the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Agency will also be activated to conduct their statutory duties.
Dr Moonilal said, “Ramco Industries is a significant supplier of LPG in the market in Trinidad and Tobago and from the standpoint of the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries we also have a concern with that matter, but our overriding concern now is with the human beings, with the employees to ensure they get the best care in the circumstances and recover fully from this incident.”
He again complimented the fire services and all officers of law enforcement who were present on a very professional job and he added the situation will continue to be monitored.
TTFS Deputy Chief Fire Officer Ansar Ali and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Southern Division Mukraji Rampersad, Southern Division Assistant Divisional Fire Officer Ishmael Noel also visited the scene.
And AZP News also spoke with Ramco’s chief executive officer Imtiaz Rahaman.
He said he was not aware of the injured employees’ present condition night but thoughts and prayers were with them.
“I have been assured that all of the resources that are being required in the health sector are being deployed to try to assist them,” Rahaman said.
@azpnews.com Acting Divisional Fire Officer Southern Ron Adams gives an update to AZP News on the fire at Ramco compound in San Fernando at 9.30 pm Thursday night. Video: Sue-Ann Wayow @ramcogastt @ttfireservice #ramco #fire #firedamage #sanfernando #ttfireservice
Based on the operations, employees worked around the clock.
Rahaman also said the company will issue a statement on Friday.
On Thursday night, Ramco trucks were instructed to park on the roadways before being allowed to enter the compound.
