CPT orders probe into oil storage tank collapse

Kochi, May 19 (UNI) The Cochin Port Trust has ordered an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the collapse of a newly built 10,000 kilo litre oil storage tank of M/s B R Petrochem during load testing on Sunday last.

The company has also been ordered to stop all activities until the Port is satisfied about the safety procedures and adequacy of structural designs, the CPT said in a statement here.

It said that the port authorities had also decided to engage reputed engineering consultants having experience in construction and maintenance of tank farms for advice regarding structural design and other safety standards.

Thousands of litres of water had gushed out of the collapsed tank in the early hours of May 14, leading to panic in the residential areas at Vathuruthy. The tank had collapsed while being load tested with water, ahead of its commissioning.

A labourer had died while two others were injured in a similar incident, involving another storage tank of the same company, last year.

Assuring the people that safety standards would not be compromised, the port said that all precautions would be taken before issuing final clearance for storage of cargo.

Nearly 40 tanks of various private companies, to store oil and chemicals, have been constructed in the Vathuruthy area. The area's residents have for long voiced complaints about the safety of the tanks, which they allege are not being constructed properly.

UNI ARC GK/DK1138