Man killed in Pt Lisas explosion

A 20-year-old man was killed in an industrial accident at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate yesterday evening. According to reports, at approximately 2.30 pm, Shivam Harrylal and two other men were loading a truck at the Industrial Gases Ltd (IGL) compound when a massive explosion rocked the compound. Harrylal, a bottle filler of 16 Post Office Street in Balmain Couva, was reportedly killed on the spot.

When Newsday visited the grieving family, his mother was barely able to speak and was being comforted by friends and relatives. His father, Kenneth Harrylal, a supervisor with Paramount Transport Ltd, said he was told about the accident by telephone from his wife, Savitri, just after the accident occurred. He rushed to the scene after receiving the call. He said his son’s body was still lying on the ground and parts of his body had been torn away by the force of the explosion. “I couldn’t believe this was my son lying there,” he said. “All I am asking is for the Lord to assist him in his journey,” he added.

He described his son, a first year management student at the School of Accounting and Management,  as an extremely disciplined young man who worked hard at achieving his goals. He said his son was also an avid cricketer who played for SIS Balmain Sports Club, and was instrumental in getting the community involved in Divali celebrations. Meanwhile, his mother Savitri said Shivam was the perfect son who could always be depended on to make things right. ASP Terry Archibald of the Couva Police Station is continuing investigations.

IGL regrets man’s death

INDUSTRIAL Gases Ltd (IGL) is deeply saddened at the death of their employee, Shivam Harrylal, in an accident yesterday at the Point Lisas plant. Regrets were exp-ressed by Neal Parsanlal, Corporate Communica-tions Officer of Neal and Massy Holdings, the parent company of IGL. Parsanlal said that an investigation into the incident has begun and it would include all affected parties.

“The family of the deceased employee, our workforce, and their union representatives have already been advised about the incident. “Counselling has been offered to all affected parties, and IGL will offer assistance to Mr Harrylal’s family.” Parsanlal said that upon conclusion of the investigation, full particulars would be communicated to Harrylal’s family and all other concerned parties.” He concluded: “IGL is a member of the Neal and Massy Group. We are committed to maintaining the safety of our employees and will work assiduously to understand the factors causing this incident, and to maintain a safe workplace.”