Schools closed, town on alert

04 April 2016, 12:00AM

Some workers at the government building and many others on the main street of Apia have been told to go home.

It comes as one of three fuel tanks at the Matautu Wharf continues to burn. 

The closing of schools follow the decision to close businesses nearby as Firefighters battle the blaze.

Emergency workers and Police have taken over the area, sealing it off from members of the public, creating traffic queues in Apia.

The Samoa Observer understands that firefighters are concentrating their efforts on preventing the fire from spreading to the other two tanks.

Part of the effort to fight the fire includes attempts to remove some of the fuel from the other two tanks. Fuel tanks have been running back and forth as part of the operation.

A senior police official said there is a fear that the other two tanks could explode and that’s why the area has been evacuated.

Firefighters and trucks from all over Upolu including Faleolo have been called to the area.

In the meantime, the fire can be seen from as far away as Siusega and Vaitele as black smoke covers the town.

More details soon.

04 April 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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