[UPDATED] One worker dead, another critical after Moruga explosion

ONE worker is dead and another is in critical condition after a tanker exploded at the Massy Energy Production Resources Moruga West Fields yesterday morning.

Dead is Phillip Ramlochan, 41, of South Oropouche. Drigpaul Sookoo, 50, of Penal is in critical condition at the San Fernando General Hospital.
The two men were employees of Total Contractors.

Medical sources said Sookoo suffered injuries to his face and chest.

According to a police report, at about 8.15 am, Ramlochan and Sookoo were working at the compound when the tanker exploded.

Reports said the workers were thrown several feet into the air before landing on a railing.
Residents in the area said their homes shook during the explosion.

Relatives were too distraught to speak to Newsday yesterday. One relative said, “The family was still in a state of shock and wanted answers from the company.”

Ramlochan was a driver at the company while Sookoo worked as a lorry man. Police said the two men were performing routine checks of trucks when there was an explosion.

Reports said one of the trucks exploded.

One of Ramlochan’s friends, Nigel Mendoza said when he got the news yesterday morning he felt as if he was dreaming. He said Ramlochan had a job interview at the TT Prisons Service on Thursday.

“He was so excited about this interview. He wanted to be better able to provide for his family. And now he did not even get the opportunity to do so.”

He described Ramlochan as ambitious and hard working. Moruga police are investigating.
Massy Energy Production Resources (MEPRL), in a statement last evening, confirmed the accident. “On June 4, 2019, at approximately 8.20 am, an accident occurred while employees of Total Contractor Services Ltd (TCSL) were carrying out pre-operation checks on their swab tanker prior to starting operations.”

The tanker was at a laydown area inside the access gate at the onshore Moruga West Joint Venture Block at Haggard Trace, Penal Rock Road.

The statement said, “Two employees of TCSL were involved in the accident, with one of the employees being fatally injured, while the other sustained serious injuries.

“The relevant governmental agencies have been notified of the accident, and investigations by all parties are currently under way.”

Massy Energy, which holds a 60 per cent stake in the block under a joint operating agreement with Heritage Petroleum Company LTd, had contracted TCSL to perform services to wells at the location.

The statement added, “MEPRL is deeply saddened by this accident and extends condolences to the family of the TCSL employee who died earlier today. We continue to lend our support to TCSL as they work with the family of the other injured employee.”

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

ONE worker is dead and another is in critical condition after a tanker exploded at the Massy Energy Production Resources Moruga West Fields this morning.

Dead is Phillip Ramlochan, 41, of South Oropouche. Drigpaul Sookoo, 50, of Penal is in critical condition at the San Fernando General Hospital.

The two men were employees of Total Contractors.

Medical sources said Sookoo suffered injuries to his face and chest.

According to a police report, at about 8.15 am, Ramlochan and Sookoo were working at the compound when the tanker exploded.

Reports said the workers were thrown several feet into the air before landing on a railing.

Residents in the area said their homes shook during the explosion.

Moruga police are investigating.