Gas tank cause ruled out as explosion probe continues

Fire investigators are continuing to probe the cause of two major incidents.

Firefighters tackled an explosion and an extensive blaze at two properties within 12 hours last week.

At 6:25pm on Wednesday, an explosion caused severe damage at an apartment building at Ariel Sands, Devonshire.

The roof, walls and windows of the apartment were reportedly blown off, strewing rubble in the vicinity.

No one was injured but a 46-year-old woman was admitted to hospital for shock. 

After the incident, it was widely reported on social media that a propane gas tank was the cause.

A Bermuda Gas spokeswoman however, said “no gas tank was involved” in the blast, on Dill Lane.

She told the Sun: “The Bermuda Gas bulk tank remains intact on the customer premises.

“Propane gas is a very safe fuel. Propane’s molecular properties make it much safer and cleaner than related petroleum-based energy sources.”

Within seven hours of the explosion, firefighters were called out to a separate incident, in Cedar Avenue, Pembroke.

Teucer House, the former Teen Services building, caught alight at about 1:15am on Thursday and blazed for almost four hours.

It took up to 10 fire vehicles and 28 firefighters to bring it under control.

It is understood by the Sun that authorities are not treating the fire as suspicious, but the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service cannot comment until the investigator’s report is concluded. 

Commenting on both incidents, chief fire officer Lloyd Burchall said: “The investigators are doing their due diligence to complete the investigations and their reports.

“But at this point there are no issues for the public to be concerned about.”