No loss in service after explosion, says NP

National Petroleum (NP) says members of the public will continue to have their usual access to super fuel, after an explosion at NP’s Sea Lots building destroyed a fuel container on Friday.

Acting CEO John Gormandy told reporters at the scene that the tank, at the southern end of the compound, was practically empty and was being cleared of residual super fuel when it exploded.

He added that an investigation is under way to determine the cause of the explosion.

“It will not have any impact on our service in any way whatsoever. We have a robust system and we have reserves in place, so it would not affect service. The public can rest assured that they will continue to get a generous supply of fuel,” Gormandy said.

Newsday understands that the container had a capacity of 10,000 barrels of fuel.

At about 12.54 pm on Friday, staff heard an explosion on the southern side of the building. Two men who were cleaning the tank at the time were injured and were taken to hospital. Newsday was told a third man was traumatised by the incident and was also hospitalised.

By 1.50 pm the fire had been contained and all staff accounted for. Traffic was diverted from the highway and the Maritime Flyover to the Priority Bus Route. Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith cleared the highways for use after the fire was contained.

Gormandy commended the fire and police service as well as workers who assisted them for their quick response.

“The fire service came within ten minutes and they got control of the fire in quick time.

"I have to commend the fire officers, police officers and some of our workers who subjected themselves to danger by directing the fire officers and giving them information.”

One staff member said she was sitting in the kitchen having lunch with her daughter, who also works there, when the explosion rocked the building.

“At first we thought it was an earthquake. I just grabbed my daughter and ran,” she said.

Her daughter said, “The police were there immediately. They stopped the traffic for us to cross (the highway). They were on point.

"Fire services came soon after.

"I was running out of the building and all I could think about was my car. Normally you can’t drive out when an alarm goes off, because you don’t know the cause. I have to go back inside to get my car.”

Another employee said he ran straight out the compound as soon as he heard the explosion.

“All I saw was light, and I ran to the light,” the employee said. “I think I should become a sprinter now, because I was the first man at the muster point. I think I might have even jumped over a car.”