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Naval experts investigate causes of barge explosion that killed five
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Disasters & Emergencies

Naval experts investigate causes of barge explosion that killed five

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Five workers died following an explosion on a barge in the Paraguay River near Asunción.
  • The barge was empty at the time of the incident, but investigations are focusing on residual gases and potential protocol failures.
  • The company L.P.G. Emprendimientos S.A. is cooperating with authorities to clarify the causes and responsibilities.

A tragedy unfolded on the Paraguay River near Asunción when an explosion on a tank barge resulted in the deaths of five workers. The incident occurred off the coast of Costanera Sur, prompting a rigorous investigation by the Naval General Prefecture under the direction of the Public Ministry.

Naval General Prefect Rear Admiral Óscar Chamorro explained that while the barge was not carrying fuel at the time, the presence of residual gases poses a constant risk. "Even though the barge was empty, there is always a risk that it contains gases inside. For all of this, there is a very strict handling protocol that companies must comply with," Chamorro stated.

Even though the barge was empty, there is always a risk that it contains gases inside. For all of this, there is a very strict handling protocol that companies must comply with.

— Óscar ChamorroNaval General Prefect Rear Admiral Óscar Chamorro, explaining the potential risks associated with empty tank barges.

Investigations are concentrating on identifying the ignition source. Chamorro noted that "too many things could have happened, but we cannot yet venture to say what the detonator was." He highlighted that tank barges have specific construction features and safety devices designed to minimize operational risks.

The five victims were identified as Ever Nilson Sosa Rotela (26), Simón Díaz González (34), Giovani Samuel Amarilla Alegre (24), Jesús Alberto Miranda Lovera (28), and Carlos David Pérez Morínigo (31). A sixth worker on an adjacent auxiliary vessel survived the incident. The company L.P.G. Emprendimientos S.A. issued a statement confirming it has activated emergency protocols and is fully cooperating with judicial and naval authorities to clarify the event and determine responsibilities.

Too many things could have happened, but we cannot yet venture to say what the detonator was.

— Óscar ChamorroNaval General Prefect Rear Admiral Óscar Chamorro, discussing the ongoing investigation into the explosion's cause.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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