Niquan Energy says its Gas To Liquids Plant suffered a serious failure during the startup up of its hydrocracker system, which led to this morning’s explosion at the site located on the Petrotrin compound in Pointe-a-Pierre.

The incident happened shortly after at daybreak on Wednesday.

No casualties have been reported.

“The safety procedures worked as planned and the company’s operator training proved effective. At no point was there any threat to people or property in any of the areas surrounding the plant,” the company said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.

Residents in the area were traumatized as the explosion caused a loud rumbling, reportedly heard as far as La Brea, Claxton Bay and La Romaine.

The NiQuan Energy Gas to Liquids Plant was opened by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley in March.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries said it was in communication with Niquan Energy to determine the cause of the incident.

See Niquan Energy’s full statement below: