A massive fire broke out on Thursday in a gas storage facility in the Radès oil region, “the southern suburb” of the Tunisian capital, injuring 38 people. Moaz Triaa, spokesperson for the Tunisian civil defense, reported that a gas leak occurred around six in the morning local time on Thursday during a refilling operation at a facility belonging to an oil company in Radès, leading to the explosion of several gas cylinders, injuring 38 workers.
Triaa elaborated in a statement to “Al Ain News” that the leak started from one of the refilling lines at the center, leading to a fire and then the explosion of several gas cylinders. He confirmed that the fire was controlled after deploying 10 fire trucks and 8 ambulances from the civil defense, along with 5 health ambulances.
He added that 19 workers with first and second-degree burns among the 35 injuries were transferred to various hospitals for treatment, including four with serious injuries who were taken to the “Severe Burns” hospital in Ben Arous province.
The Tunisian Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy, in a statement issued on Thursday, mentioned that an investigation has been initiated to determine the circumstances of the fire that erupted at 6 a.m. at the gas depot belonging to the National Company for Petroleum Distribution “Agil” in the Radès oil region.
The Ministry highlighted that the fire was controlled thanks to the efforts of the staff and executives of the National Company for Petroleum Distribution “Agil”, and the prompt and effective intervention of the civil defense personnel.
Additionally, 25 employees from “Agil” who contributed to extinguishing the fire were transferred to the Severe Burns hospital in Ben Arous, with four in the intensive care unit. According to medical sources, they are on the path to recovery.
The Ministry also stated in its announcement that necessary care was provided to the injured and efforts were made to offer psychological and medical support to them and their families.
