In a statement from Shell Palau President Eloy Lizama President said that at approximately 7 p.m. , May 26 , the Shell Terminal Manager was alerted to a fire.
It added that at 7:05 p.m. the Terminal Manager immediately made use of the company’s emergency response plan which included notifying the fire and police departments.
The terminal operator then arrived at the scene and began using Shell’s firefighting equipment to quell the fire.
The statement said that as the fire was being put out, the Palau fire and police departments arrived at the terminal and secured the premises.
“There were no injuries resulting from the fire and no known discharge of product. An assessment will be conducted to determine the nature and cause of the fire,” Lizama said.
He added in the statement that the Malakal Terminal will be temporarily closed during the assessment.
“During the assessment, Shell will continue to service our customers and Shell retail stations will continue to receive gasoline and diesel fuel,” Lizama said.
He added that customers may place their orders by calling 4886464 or 4886565 from 7:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday.
Frank Kyota , Palau Area Manager commended the Shell personnel and the police authorities for the prompt response.
He said the case is still under investigation.
Minister of Justice Elias Camsek Chin said initial probe showed that one of the valves at the terminal leaked but said that why this has happened will be part of the investigation.
He said there is a need to look into the relocation because of where the terminal is situated which is near several hotels.
He said there is also a need to put a fire hydrant near the area.
“I commend the Bureau of Public Safety for quickly preventing a possible disaster,” Chin said.
