Shipyard blast leaves 1 worker dead, 2 hurt

A WELDER was killed while two others were injured after a portion of a cargo vessel exploded at the shipyard of Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc. in Barangay Buanoy, Balamban last Thursday afternoon.

An explanation offered for the accident was that welding equipment caused a spark that ignited the residual gas fumes collected inside the ship’s newly painted six-storey accommodation area.

Police said Randy Agsoy, 24, powered up the equipment to seal several manholes at 3:14 p.m.

An explosion tossed Agsoy overhead the ship, where he crashed to the ground. He died on the spot.

His co-workers Rolly Narsico, 20, and Kenneth Villarosa, 30, sustained minor injuries. They were hoisted into the air but they got caught on the railings.

SPO3 Arvie Banate of the Balamban Police Station told Sun.Star Cebu the victims were workers under a subcontractor company, DMD Maritime Services.

The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) 7 has ordered an investigation into the explosion.

Consultant

A consultant from Tsuneishi, who was at the site when the police examined the area, said a bigger disaster could have happened if there were no manholes.

Dole 7 Director Gloria Tango said she ordered engineers to inspect the incident site as part of the investigation. As a standard operating procedure, her agency wants to impose precautionary measures to prevent a similar incident.

Under the law, Tango said the Tsuneishi management is required to report to Dole 7 on the incident within 24 hours.

“I expect a report from the management and from our inspectors by Monday,” Tango said.
She added that the investigation must focus on why the incident happened and who was at fault.

Compensation

The Dole 7 director also said that if the worker who died is a member of the Social Security System, he is entitled to the Employees Compensation Program of the Government.

This is not the first time an incident at Tsuneishi left its workers dead.

Balamban Mayor Ace Stephen Binghay has yet to receive the investigation report of the company

“Im sure the company will give feedback and assistance to the victims,” said Binghay.
Police learned that an electronic blower was installed at the ship’s section to extract paint fumes.

Gas testing must also be conducted to monitor the atmosphere within a confined space for hazardous gas, fumes or vapor.

When Agsoy went back to work, he brought welding equipment, after noticing that the blower was removed.

“Without consulting his supervisors, he turned it on. He was also probably not noticed immediately,” Banate said in Cebuano.

Liability

Asked who might be held liable, the police investigator said he was the victim’s supervisor, for alleged negligence.

“It really depends on the victim’s family if they will file a complaint,” Banate said.

However, Banate has already spoken with them and believed it was an accident. They will receive assistance from the company where Agsoy worked for six years.

A consultant from Tsuneishi, who was at the site when the police examined the area, said a bigger disaster could have happened if there were no manholes.

“The fumes will be confined. There could have been many casualties,” he added.

The two survivors have started working again yesterday.

Representatives from Dole in Central Visayas also inspected the site and made recommendations for stricter safety measures. The result of their separate
investigation will be released next week.

“They were told to be careful because disasters happen without asking permission,” Banate said.