ROADTOWN Tortola   BVI, July 20th, 2011  – The Ministry of Communications and Works is assuring the public that Virgin Gorda residents are safe following an incident involving an overturned Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Tanker yesterday morning.The 40-foot LPG tanker, carrying over 10,000 gallons, overturned on the airport road located between Speedy's Garage and the Valley Methodist Church after 10am.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works Mrs. Arlene Smith-Thompson told the Department of Information and Public Relations the situation is under control, saying, “Residents who were evacuated yesterday are safe and sound thanks to the quick response and action by the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services Department, Department of Disaster Management (DDM) and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.”

Over 500 persons were evacuated from nearby homes and businesses yesterday morning because they fell within the half mile radius identified as the immediate evacuation area. The evacuees were allowed to go back to their homes overnight after DDM personnel indicated it was safe to do so.

The acting permanent secretary reassured the evacuees were safe, saying, “The tanker was monitored throughout the night for leakage and to ensure it was not being tampered with.”

Mrs. Smith-Thompson explained TROPIGAS, the company from whom the tank was purchased, had been contacted yesterday and technicians are now in the Territory to provide guidance for the transfer of the LPG from the overturned tanker to a new tanker.

The Ministry of Communications and Works is the lead Government agency responsible for the safe transportation of hazardous materials in the Territory.
 

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