(Trinidad Guardian) The Ministry of Energy has launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding what appeared to be a gas leak which was captured and posted to social media on Friday.
The individual who captured the 50-second video can be heard cautioning motorists traversing the area. “If you heading southbound on the Southern Main Road and you just past Phoenix Park by Hydro Agri or Yara, this is what is happening there and this mist is crossing the road so proceed with extra caution.”
A popular local television presenter shared the video on his Facebook account with the caption, “This gas is deadly, so please stay away from the area. A suspected liquid nitrogen leak at Phoenix Park on Friday 15th November 2024. Known as the invisible killer, due to its odourless and tasteless nature, nitrogen gas can be lethal if inhaled. The vapour of liquid nitrogen can rapidly freeze skin tissue and eye fluid, resulting in cold burns, frostbite and permanent eye damage even by brief exposure. Exposure to Nitrogen is dangerous because it can replace oxygen and lead to suffocation.”
The alleged leak also prompted concerns over public safety and environmental impact. In a statement, Massy Gas Products Ltd. assured the public of safety following what was described as “nitrogen release during routine operation.”
The company further noted that at around 9:00 pm on Friday, excess nitrogen was vented during a routine mobile tanker filling operation at Massy Gas Products Ltd. “The Company would like to reassure the public that there was no harm to people, property or the environment and we remain committed to maintaining the highest safety standard, protecting our people and the environment.”
Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited (PPGPL) has since distanced itself from the incident maintaining that there was no gas release at its plant facility. “There was no gas release at its plant facility on November 15th.”
In a statement issued yesterday, the company noted that the social media video fuelled speculations of a suspected nitrogen leak at the facility.
In setting the record straight, the company confirmed that it was incorrectly identified as the source of the release. The company also reminded that it processes natural gas and separates natural gas liquids into propane, butane and natural gasoline.
“PPGPL is committed to safety and takes very stringent measures in maintaining high safety standards throughout its operations.”
