A confirmed fuel leak from an abandoned storage tank at the former Friars Hill Facility in Antigua has triggered a coordinated multi-agency emergency response, led by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA).
Once the leak was detected, APUA moved rapidly to activate internal emergency protocols and immediately notified a broad network of relevant government and regulatory bodies to join the assessment and mitigation effort. Partner agencies including the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), Antigua and Barbuda Police Force, Central Board of Health, Development Control Authority (DCA), Antigua and Barbuda Fire Department, National Solid Waste Management Authority, West Indies Oil Company (WIOC), Department of Public Health, and Department of Environment have all deployed personnel to the site to support containment operations.
Crews are currently working around the clock to install critical containment barriers designed to stop the spread of leaked fuel and reduce any potential harm to local ecosystems and nearby residential communities. As of the latest update, investigations into the root cause of the leak and full mapping of the spill’s total size remain ongoing, with no definitive conclusions released to the public.
Local authorities have issued a public advisory urging motorists traveling along Friars Hill Road and residents living in adjacent neighborhoods to remain vigilant and follow all safety guidance posted by response teams throughout the duration of cleanup operations. APUA has reiterated its commitment to resolving the incident in full compliance with public safety and environmental protection standards, noting that it will continue to closely monitor site conditions and share new updates with the public as additional details are confirmed. The authority has also expressed gratitude for the public’s patience as response teams work to bring the situation under control.