A truck delivering gas to a Caparo service station exploded yesterday sending nearby residents scampering for safety.There were no injuries in the blast which occurred around 6.30 pm.The truck driver and gas station employees were able to run to safety.Houses belonging to Mamin Dass and Ramdeo Bickram, both of Chickland Road, Caparo, were scorched, according to Paras Ramoutar, a former councillor for the area.He said the families would not be able to occupy their homes for several days.
The explosion was heard hundreds of feet away and thick, black smoke covered the area, Ramoutar said.Traffic backed up along the Brasso Caparo Valley Road as fire officers doused the blaze.Residents from Mamoral, Brasso Piedra, Flanagin Town and Tabaquite were delayed for hours, Ramoutar said.Officers from the Chaguanas Fire Station were able to bring the fire under control. Central Division Police were on hand to direct traffic.Safety and fire officials are expected to visit the area later today.