Ramadhar leads legal probe of gas tank explosion fatality

In the wake of the tragic death of Ria George, attorneys have vowed to ensure accountability and justice. Prakash Ramadhar, speaking from his San Fernando office on November 21, emphasized that the loss of George will not be overlooked. A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request has been filed with the National Petroleum Marketing Company Ltd (NP), and another is set to be sent to the Chief Fire Officer. The attorneys aim to uncover the truth behind the explosion that claimed George’s life on August 13, 2025, at her home in Diggity Village, Debe. The FOIA request, submitted by attorney Ted Roopnarine on October 23, seeks all investigation reports related to the incident and details on the ongoing probe. Ramadhar criticized the tendency to blame victims in such accidents, stressing that those in authority must be held accountable for failing to educate the public adequately. He also proposed that gas cylinders should carry warning labels similar to those on cigarette packs, a suggestion he credited to talk show host Stephan Reis. Ramadhar, a former minister of legal affairs, called for legislative action to mandate such labels through the Consumer Affairs Division. Additionally, he urged the government to enforce standards for the importation and sale of gas regulators, highlighting the lack of certification markings on many regulators. The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries has engaged stakeholders, including the TT Bureau of Standards and OSHA, to develop solutions to the recurring issue of gas tank explosions. Meanwhile, Ramco and NP have launched educational campaigns on social media to inform the public about safety measures, such as testing tanks for leaks and purchasing compliant regulators and hoses.