Blaze spotted from afar

By Vatapuia Maiava 05 April 2016, 12:00AM

The spectacular blaze at the Matautu Wharf yesterday could be seen from as far away as Siusega, Vailima and Aleisa.

The explosion at the diesel tank belonging to P.P.S. left a trail of black smoke noticed from miles away.

Close to the site, the lid of the diesel tanker was completely blown off and was left just sitting on the side with firefighters risking their lives to subdue the flames.

An official at the wharf who spoke to the Samoa Observer said that the explosion was so sudden.

“We got a shock when this happened so right now we are just trying to assist the firemen with their work,” he said.

“This fire is way too big for the small team of firefighters to deal with so we are just going to do what’s needed to make their work easier, whether it’s reeling the hoses or whatever.”

Fences around the tank were broken down by the firefighters in an attempt to use their portable pumps on the seawater to try to put out the fire. The firefighters were seen shooting water on the walls of the diesel and petroleum tankers to cool down any built up pressure.

“This fire won’t be able to be put out by water so the best thing we can do is let it run its course and pray that the other tanks won’t blow up,” said a firefighter.

By Vatapuia Maiava 05 April 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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