Residents evacuated by gas leak

The leak of poison gas could have caused a major tragedy, but today residents of Cayo’s twin towns are breathing easier, while a local businessman is seeking a safer address. Jacqueline Woods reports from Santa Elena.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

On Saturday, a seal from a valve just like this one burst at Blanquea Sol, an establishment that manufacturers bleach, better known in Belize as Clorox. The incident resulted in a gas leak large enough to affect and send twenty-two people for medical care. The business’ owner, Arturo Matus says he acted quickly and residents from the immediate area were evacuated. Those who were exposed to the toxic fumes were taken to the San Ignacio hospital.

Arturo Matus, Owner, Blanquea Sol

“They were treated and half and hour later, an hour later, they were released.”

Jacqueline Woods

“What were they treated for?”

Arturo Matus

“Intoxication. They were given antibiotics and they were released.”

Matus says contrary to reports, he was not ordered to close his operation, but has decided to go ahead with his previous plans to relocate to a less populated location between the villages of Santa Familia and Spanish Lookout.

Arturo Matus

“We were waiting for this village to put their water, which we heard that they already have it in place. We heard that they were going to be ready two months from now, but it seems like they are ready now. So we need to run pipes from where they are to our new location cause we cannot work without water… There is about a mile in diameter where there is no people living around.”

Matus says since 1999 he has been operating in Santa Elena and it was the first time that a leak had occurred. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.