ST Lucia Prime Minister calls for prayers following explosion which killed approx. four and injured 25

(Modified from St Lucia News Online) Prime Minister of St Lucia, Allen Chastanet has called for prayers and support for the families of those affected by an explosion which occurred in the Cul de Sac area, on the Island on Tuesday evening (March 21, 2017).

Early reports indicate that at least four persons were killed while 25 were injured following an explosion at a Rayneau Construction-operated quarry and construction site in Cul de Sac, Castries.

The dead and injured are believed to comprise mainly company employees.

Many of the persons hospitalised are in serious or critical condition, officials said.

Search parties are working throughout the night for the missing, officials said.

The explosion, which occurred after 5 p.m. and was heard miles away, may have been triggered by container loaded with explosive material, including dynamite, according to sources.

Initially, many persons in communities further away from the blast, mistook the explosion for an earthquake.

Speaking from the Victoria Hospital where the injured were taken following the incident, Prime Minister Chastanet said: “Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones and those who are still waiting to find out information about their family members. You are all in our prayers in this difficult time. We must all support each other at this time and pray for our fellow Saint Lucians.

He thanked the emergency personnel, the police and fire officers, who responded to the incident and who are still working tirelessly into the night at the site to find persons. “The staff, the nurses and doctors, of the Victoria Hospital, who responded, some without being called and who are working overtime to attend to the injured must be thanked for their selfless dedication in the wake of this crisis. We should be so proud of all the staff and emergency response persons,” he added.

The Prime Minister added that this incident has taken the nation by shock and expressed profound grief over the loss of life.