Investigations are underway by Samoa’s Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) as to the cause of the explosion of one of three diesel fuel tanks that led to the death of one employee of Petroleum Products Supplies Ltd (PPS) on the wharf in Matautu-Tai, Samoa, Monday morning (Samoa Time). 

A statement issued by Samoa Government’s Press Secretariat, around 10a.m. Monday, said there was an explosion at one of the diesel fuel storage tanks on the wharf at Matautu-tai. “The explosion triggered a fire, which was responded to within minutes by the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) personnel. Emergency workers immediately evacuated everyone within close proximity to the wharf.”

PPS confirmed that one of two employees working on the storage tank at the time of the explosion has died as a result of this incident, while a second employee was treated and discharged within a few hours after the explosion.

The statement says that investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the explosion. It noted that ”as a safety precaution, the main fuel terminal at Sogi was shut down immediately. Once the fire was contained and the tank site was deemed safe, the fuel terminal was reopened and normal operations resumed.”

According to the statement, the main focus of the emergency response team was to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to the other two adjacent tanks. 

Samoa’s Prime Minister upon learning of the incident led the coordination of the Disaster Advisory Committee at FESA headquarters and personally requested assistance from the Australian, New Zealand and United States governments.

“All have assured the Government of their support and are now looking at how they can mobilize technical assistance and capacity-building support for emergency services, and work together with the government and private sector to ensure more mitigation efforts are made to avoid a repeat of such an incident.”

PPS further confirms that they have enough diesel fuel for the next ten days, with the next tanker due this coming weekend, and the fire did not affect supplies of petrol and jet fuel.

“FESA has confirmed that the site where the tanks are located has now been declared safe and secure, but access by the public is restricted due to ongoing investigations and clean-up efforts.”

The fire led to the closing of schools, businesses and government offices in the town area and caused widespread panic throughout Apia when workers, visitors and students were evacuated.

The fire let to the activation of the Disaster Advisory Committee (D.A.C), calling in their private and public sector members. Included in that committee are Chairman Suluimalo Amataga Penaia, Ministry of the Prime Minister; C.E.O, Agafili Shem Teo; E.P.C. General Manager,Tologata T. Tuimalealiifano; E.P.C Project Manager, Fonoti Perelini and Health Director, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri.