Panic as Hyster container handler causes fire at New Port
A fire broke out in a Hyster container handler at the New Port yesterday afternoon at around 1.45pm, but fortunately there were no fatalities.
The Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency was soon alerted of the incident and Seychelles NATION has learned that the fire started after a small explosion in the Hyster container handler – a vehicle used to lift containers on the port. The fire also partly burned items in two nearby containers.
The container handler belonging to the Land Marine Ltd has been badly damaged, while its operator had to report to the Seychelles Hospital for treatment for shock.
According to Seychelles Port Authority deputy chief executive Herbert Hoaureau, although the authority has measures in place to deal with such issues, mechanical problems cannot be averted. However, it is within the authority’s power to follow through with established protocols so as to avoid greater damage.
As heavy fumes had engulfed the port while the fire was ablaze, non-essential port users were asked to evacuate the premises for their own safety. All operations were shut down for the afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency and the police are carrying out investigations to determine the cause of the fire.
Speaking to Seychelles NATION, Land Marine Ltd boss Hughes Adam said “nobody was injured in this unfortunate accident.”
“We are now investigating the cause of the fire and for now we know it is not a human error as the fire started in the engine,” he added.
