Sue-Ann Wayow

THE exact cause of the fire at Ramco Industries Ltd on Thursday is yet to be determined and is being investigated by the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) and other agencies.

Ramco stated it was working closely with the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS), the MEEI and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Agency in the investigation.

In an update on Friday evening, Ramco stated the four injured employees continue to receive medical attention.

“We will continue to monitor their progress whilst providing support to the affected employees and their families,” Ramco stated.

The company also stated that while a part of the facility at Cross Crossing, San Fernando was damaged, the assets were isolated and temporary measures were being implemented to minimise the impact of supply to customers.

The facility comprises of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) filling plant, along with LPG loading bays and LPG storage tanks.

Ramco said, “We want to reassure the neighbouring community, that their safety is our highest priority and we are in the process of setting up consultations with residents. We will continue to keep the public informed as we gather more information and move towards a full recovery of our operations. In the meantime, we thank everyone for their concern, support and patience.”

The MEEI also issued an update on Friday evening.

The ministry stated on Friday, a team of technical officers from the ministry was assigned to investigate the incident.

This team along with representatives of the OSH Agency and the TTFS conducted a thorough inspection of the site.

The ministry also coordinated and chaired a meeting with all stakeholders including the Trinidad and Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP), Ramco Industries Limited and Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited to discuss the impacts of the incident and to plan the necessary actions to minimise disruption of supply to the general public.

The ministry stated, “The ministry is satisfied that the Trinidad and Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited, Ramco Industries Limited and Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited are effectively collaborating and taking the necessary steps to ensure that there is minimal disruption of supply of LPG nationally. The ministry also stands by to provide support as required in these efforts.”

The ministry stated it remained committed to ensuring security of energy supply in Trinidad and Tobago and therefore continued to monitor the situation at the facility as well as the plans being executed to ensure continuity of supply of LPG.

On the night of the fire, Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal visited the site  and met with Ramco’s management.

He collaborated with Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe to ensure that the best medical care available was extended to the injured employees.