OSHA starts probe into NiQuan explosion

A THIRD investigation has started into the explosion at NiQuan Energy Ltd's gas-to-to-liquids plant – this time by the Occupational Safety and Health Authority and Agency (OSHA).

Around 6.35 am on Wednesday, the recently commissioned Pointe-a-Pierre plant’s hydrocracker system failed during an attempted startup. It caused a fire, which was contained by Mon Repos fire officials.

The Energy Ministry and the Environmental Management Authority have also begun investigating the cause of the failure.

In a release on Thursday morning, OSHA said it "immediately despatched a team of inspectors to initiate an investigation into the incident.

"The agency is currently in the process of collecting information to facilitate the investigation. OSHA remains committed to protecting the safety and health of all persons in Trinidad and Tobago and ensuring compliance with the OSH Act."

On Wednesday afternoon, Couva South MP, Rudranath Indarsingh issued a release on behalf of the UNC, calling on the ministers of Energy and Labour to investigate immediately through OSHA.