RSIPF appeals to business owners to think safety first before running mini fuel depot
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) appeals to business owners who operate fuel depot in our communities to think safety first before operating any mini fuel depots after a woman lost her life due to serious burns on her body in Central Guadalcanal on 4 September 2021.
Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says, “It is sad a 38-year-old female lost her life in such an incident which should have been avoided if safety was considered in that particular instance.”
“It is alleged that the deceased ran a canteen a barbeque and a mini fuel depot at her road-side stall. It was business as normal at that time. A vehicle came in and fetched fuel. After serving her customers, the female went back in front of the canteen and refilled two-empty bottles of fuel.”
Commissioner Mangau explains, “The deceased refilled the first bottle, placed it on the floor without closing the lid, and continued filling the second bottle. When the second bottle was filled, she placed it on her left arm, attempted to walk towards the barbeque but flipped. The petrol spilled on to the fire and erupted into flames with the victim covered with the fuel and flame.”
“Instead of escaping from the fire, the victim ran back into the canteen in order to save her money that was in the canteen and got trapped inside the canteen with the house in flames.”
Mr. Mangau says, “People in the vicinity when the incident occurred broke the wall of the house and entered in and pulled the deceased out. She was attended by relatives, transported to the Good Samaritan Hospital, and later referred to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) for further medical attention.”
“Unfortunately, she died on 5 September 2021 due to the severe burns on her body. My condolences to the relatives and immediate family members of the victim for the great loss in their family,” says Commissioner Mangau.
-RSIPF Press