FIVE of seven fuel tanks exploded Monday following a sudden fire at Noble House Seafoods, at Plantation Eccles, East Bank Demerara.
Reports revealed that a fishing vessel was being fueled in the area where bulk fuel is stored when the explosion occurred.
The fire, which started at around 13:45hrs, was as a result of a leakage of fuel from a makeshift pump being used to fuel the fishing trawler.
“They were dispensing fuel to the fishing boat, and the fuel cork blow off and the fuel escaped, leaking onto the pump causing the fire,” one eyewitness said.
When the Guyana Chronicle visited the scene, the entrance to the wharf which houses the fishery was closed, and the security guards hastily related that the media was not allowed.
Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, when contacted, said the Fire Service will be monitoring the situation before any activity recommences at the wharf.
He said firemen used 150 gallon of foam to contain and extinguish the fire. The area that housed the fuel tanks and shed was damaged.