Fuel trawler explodes at Kaituma

Residents removing items from buildings as the fire rages in the background. A fuel boat exploded at Turn Basin yesterday and in the aftermath that vessel along with four other boats and five buildings were burnt.

A fuel trawler exploded yesterday morning at Turn Basin, Port Kaituma, setting off a fire that destroyed boats and buildings, left millions of dollars in damages, and questions about the regulations in place for the pumping of fuel.

A 17-year-old boy, who was pumping fuel from the trawler at the time of the explosion, has been hospitalised with serious burns, while a second person escaped with minor injuries which did not require medical attention.

A resident told Stabroek News that the explosion occurred at around 7:30am aboard the trawler that was moored at the wharf. It was quickly engulfed in flames and the fire spread to at least three smaller fuel boats, which were moored alongside it. According to the resident, the fire then spread to