An emergency call reported an explosion at Thiel Corporation’s asphalt plant in Canashito. Police units from Santa Cruz were immediately dispatched, along with ambulances and the Fire Department.
Upon arrival, officers encountered panic among workers, who explained that three colleagues had suffered severe, traumatic injuries. Not waiting for first responders, coworkers had already rushed the victims by private car to ImSan in San Nicolas. Given the seriousness of the burns, three ambulances then transported the victims to Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital for advanced care, with police units clearing traffic to ensure rapid transit.
At the plant, it was determined that all three workers sustained burns after a hot oil pipe at the asphalt facility apparently exploded due to gas accumulation, spraying hot oil and flames. Firefighters found no active fire on arrival—the oil had already burned off—but shut the plant down to relieve pressure and allow equipment to cool.
With burns over roughly 50% of their bodies, the victims were admitted to the ICU. Specialists recommended urgent transfer to a dedicated burn unit abroad, as Aruba lacks one. In consultation with AZV, arrangements were made for air ambulances to Colombia; because each aircraft can carry only one patient, three separate flights were requested.
The Dienst Technische Inspectie (DTI) has opened an investigation. The injured workers are long-time employees: one born in Aruba, one in Colombia, and one in Peru.
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