Jah Oil Company has denied owning the tanker that exploded while delivering fuel at the Navy Barracks in Banjul last Friday.

The explosion resulted in the deaths of naval officer Richard Mendy and army escort Cherno Njie, while three others sustained severe injuries.

Following the incident, reports emerged suggesting that the tanker belonged to Jah Oil Company, which routinely delivers fuel to the barracks each month.

However, speaking at a press conference, Jah Oil’s general manager, Momodou Hydara, dismissed the claims, stating that the truck was not owned by the company.

“It’s important to clarify this because there are many rumours circulating. They were using a diesel pumping machine to transfer the fuel. We have been doing this for years without any problems. When petrol is discharged, it releases high vapour into the air, and any small flame can ignite that vapour, leading back to the source and causing an explosion,” he said.

He added: “unfortunately, on this occasion, he was not the one driving the truck when the explosion occurred. Sources indicate that the individual behind the wheel was inexperienced in fuel transportation and may not have followed all necessary safety precautions.”

By Adama Makasuba