Operations resume at Ramco a day after fire

OPERATIONS have resumed at Ramco Gas Company Ltd's plant at Cross Crossing, San Fernando one day after a fire happened there on July 24.

Four workers were injured in the fire. They are currently being treated at the San Fernando General Hospital for their injuries. Two of them are reported to be in critical condition.

When Newsday visited the plant, its car park was full and workers were seen going to and from the main building.

Videos posted on social media showed other workers loading and offloading LPG cylinders on to trucks.

According to a police reports on July 25, an interim report on investigations into the fire was provided to company CEO Imtiaz Rahaman and the plant's general manager Glen Samsundar.

No details were provided about the report's findings.

The plant was turned back over to Rahman and Samsundar by the Fire Service which indicated further investigations will continue on July 26.

News of the fire was first received around 7.15 pm on July 24.

When police arrived at the scene, a 29 year old painter told officers a loud explosion was heard and workers began to evacuate the plant shortly afterwards.

The four injured employees were taken by ambulance to hospital.

Fire fighters were able to contain an extinguish the fire and the area was declared safe around 9.15 pm.

In a statement on July 25, the company said, "The incident was contained thanks to the prompt and coordinated response of the emergency services."

Those responders included the Fire Service, TT Defence Force, police, the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission, ambulance services and the company's health, safety and environment team.

Ramco added four employees who were injured in the fire are currently receiving medical treatment.

"Out thoughts and prayers remain with the affected employees and their families, and we are committed to supporting them."

The company also thanked Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal who visited the scene on July 24 and residents of the surrounding community for their concern.

The plant falls within the Oropouche East constituency which Moonilal represents in Parliament.

Ramco said it is working with the relevant authorities as investigations continue into the fire.

"The safety and well-being of our employees, community and stakeholders remain our highest priority."

Ramco promised to provide additional updates as they become available.

In a WhatsApp comment on July 24, Moonilal said he was briefed about the fire by police and fire officers at the scene.

"It appears it was a fire that erupted in an area, a particular area on the compound but thankfully, it was contained to a particular area."

He said the Fire Service was able to contain the fire using water and foam.

Moonilal added his ministry and the Health Ministry were monitoring the conditions of the injured workers.

He said Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe had been informed of the matter.

"We expect that they will get the best medical help that is needed at this time."

Moonilal said a preliminary report on the fire should be received from the Fire Service on July 25.

"The OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) Agency will also be activated to conduct their statutory duties in circumstances like these."

He said Ramco was an important LPG supplier and the ministry would be looking at that in relation to the fire, but Moonilal repeated the priority remained the treatment of the injured workers.

In a statement, OSH confirmed it has started its investigations into the fire.