.jpg)
The glass windows on the ground floor of the Burker King building were shattered in the explosion.
.png)
Stewart Beckford, Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade and Lisa Lake, Group CEO of Restaurant Associates Limited
By Nakinskie Robinson/Lorraine Mendez
Six Burger King employees were injured in a blast at the restaurant's New Kingston location on Wednesday morning.
Speaking with Radio Jamaica News on Wednesday afternoon, Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade Stewart Beckford said four workers from the adjoining Island Grill restaurant were also affected after they inhaled noxious fumes from the explosion.
He said he is awaiting further information on the nature and extent of their injuries as the workers continue to receive medical assistance.
The glass windows on the ground floor building were shattered.
Commissioner Beckford said the blown out windows helped to minimise the effects of the explosion. Had the building not been designed with that many windows, the force of the explosion would have likely killed the workers, he suggested.
He said the structure of the Burger King as well as adjoining buildings have not been compromised by the blast.
Meanwhile, Burger King franchise owner, Restaurant Associates, said the explosion followed a routine delivery of gas supplies to the location.
The company said following the delivery, employees reported a strong odour of gas.
The restaurant was closed and the service provider returned to the site to address the issue.
The operator said before leaving the site, the supplier confirmed it was safe to proceed with business but the explosion occurred shortly after.
Group CEO of Restaurant Associates Limited, Lisa Lake, said the affected staff are recovering under medical supervision.
"I've actually been able to speak with most of them directly, and thankfully, they're okay, despite being understandably shaken up," she disclosed, thanking the emergency personnel for their quick response.
She said the restaurant will work with the authorities to determine what exactly caused the explosion.
The Burger King outlet, located on Knutsford Boulevard, will remain closed until further notice.
comments powered by Disqus
All feeds
