A man is now dead and another is hospitalised with major burns after a concrete water tank exploded yesterday morning while they were carrying out cleaning and tarring works on the structure.
Oliver France, 52, a businessman/contractor, of Number 51 Village, Corentyne, died of the injuries he suffered in the explosion, while Jamal Rose, 31 of Number 53 Village, Corentyne, sustained major burns about his body.
According to information gathered by Stabroek News, the two men were contracted to work at the home of Onika Thompson, located at Number 50 Leeds Village, Corentyne, when the explosion occurred, just around 09:30 hrs.
Stabroek News was told that France and Rose were working on a concrete reservoir located at the back of the house when a sudden explosion was heard. At the time, France was reportedly inside the structure with some sort of gasoline attempting to remove tar, while Rose was on top.
It was reported that the men had tarred a section of the concrete tank on the inside to fix a leak before continuing the cleaning, however, after they realized that it was still leaking they decided to use gasoline to remove the tar.
It is suspected that a spark flew from a power tool that was being used and ignited the gasoline, resulting in the explosion which shattered the entire concrete structure and the men were thrown some distance as a result.
The men were rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where France was pronounced dead on arrival, while Rose has since been admitted in a serious condition.
Rose sustained massive burn injuries on his face, arms, and legs.
Meanwhile, at the scene yesterday the shattered concrete reservoir had pitched into a neighbour’s yard. There was also a black water tank that had a piece of its bottom melted off. Several glass windows were also broken as a result of the explosion.
As of yesterday afternoon, relatives of both men remained in a state of shock as they tried to piece together the series of events that led to the explosion.
France’s sister-in-law, Christshal Ward, described him as a jovial, hardworking, and helpful person. His 13-year-old son, who had returned home from school to the news, said he and his father shared a close relationship.
