Welding work caused fuel tank fire

APIA – An investigation is underway to determine the cause of an explosion at one of the diesel fuel storage tanks on the wharf at Apia on Tuesday.

The explosion killed an employee of Petroleum Products Supplies who was working on the storage tank during the time of the explosion.

The blaze caused widespread panic throughout the Apia township where hundreds of people were evacuated.

The Chairman of the Disaster Advisory Committee, Suluimalo Amataga Penaia, said the fire had been contained, confirming the casualty and said that several others that responded – including firefighters – were treated at the hospital for injuries.

“They were affected by the heat of the fire and had inhaled fumes and gases,” he said. “They are at the hospital. The one who died fell from the top where the explosion started.”

Suluimalo, who is also the chief executive officer of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, said about 1000 tonnes of fuel was in the tank.

Petroleum Products Supplies (PPS) has confirmed that they have enough stock for diesel fuel for the next 10 days, with the next tanker due in Apia on April 9. PPS said supplies of petrol and jet fuel were not affected by the fire.

Suluimalo said maintenance work at the tanks is suspected to have sparked the explosion.

He added that they were doing welding works and that was how the fire started.

Suluimalo said all members of the Emergency response team, including health, police and the fire services responded quickly.

As for the investigation, he said: “Only when the tank cools down that we can start, in case it lights up again.

“It was lucky that the tanks contained diesel otherwise it would’ve been difficult to fight if it was petrol.”

The chairman said foam from the Airport’s fire trucks was used. Sea water was also used.

The director of the Ministry of Health, Leausa Dr Take Naseri, said the health sector had been prepared for the worst.

“The National Health Service was warned to expect casualties from the fire and prepare for the worst,” he said.

Following the explosion nearby schools in town closed down and government workers left within hours.

- Samoa Observer