Two foreign nationals are admitted at the Gizo Hospital Emergency Ward after being injured in an explosion aboard a tugboat berthing at Ringi to collect scrap metals
A BOAT exploded without flames whilst berthing at Ringi in the Western Province, critically injuring one of the two Asians aboard.
The two victims – one from Malaysia and another from Myanmar (Burma) – are said to be workers on the tugboat called ‘Plus Two.’ The boat is reportedly owned by the Sam Ling Sun Company in Noro.
The incident occurred 6.30 am yesterday and a local crew on the tug boat said it was fortunate that the explosion did not involve flames which could have resulted in much severe injuries or even kill any or both of the victims.
Speaking to Solomon Star at the Gizo Hospital Emergency Ward, a local crew of the tugboat, Dereck Nafu, who was ashore when the explosion occurred, said the two victims, who are now at the Gizo Hospital Emergency Ward, were the only persons aboard the boat when the tragedy struck.
Mr Nafu said the explosion almost entirely destroyed the boat.
“All of us the crew members, except for the victims, were on land. The one who sustained minor injuries is Malaysian and he was still sleeping in the mass when the explosion occurred. The Myanmar national, who is in a critical condition, was making his way up from the mass when an object from the ceiling exploded. He sustained serious burns to his body and wounds to his head,” he said.
Mr Nafu said the explosion sounded as it was from a detonated bomb and it was when they heard the explosion that they realised that two of their mates were onboard.
“We actually do not know what caused the explosion. What we only know is that it came from the ceiling and it damaged the ceiling, doors and other parts of the boat.
“Even the clothes they wore appeared stuck onto their skin of the two victims but luckily, there was no flame. Had the explosion involved flames, both victims could have been killed instantly,” Mr Nafu said.
Mr Nafu said they -Plus Two tugboat and workers – have been uploading scrap metals in Ringgi to send overseas.
The two victims are currently treated at the Gizo Hospital Emergency Ward.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
