NP still probing December 2020 Sea Lots explosion

FOUR months after an explosion at its Sea Lots compound, National Petroleum's (NP) internal health and safety teams are still investigating the cause of the accident. But the company says results should be provided soon.

On December 11, two contractors were pumping fuel out of a tank, which then exploded and a fire began. The tank was being cleared of residual super fuel.

The blaze was quickly contained, but two workers were injured and taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital, where one was treated in the Intensive Care Unit.

Asked for an update on the investigation on Thursday, NP's corporate communications manager Denise Caesar told Newsday, "The investigation is still ongoing but nearing completion."

Caesar was also asked for an update on the injured employees but no response was provided.

Late energy minister Franklin Khan had said in December that probes were also launched into the cause of the explosion by the Ministry of Energy and the Occupational Safety and Health Agency.