Beryllium: Man dies after garage explosion; two others airlifted to US for treatment

Security company Beryllium Limited says it has moved to provide critical medical assistance and support to the persons who were injured in an explosion and fire at a garage facility adjacent to its compound on South Camp Road in Kingston on Wednesday.

Four persons were injured in the incident, which involved an explosion and subsequent fire affecting a vehicle located on the garage property.

In a statement on Thursday, the company reported that one of the injured men, described as an external contractor working within the garage facility, had succumbed to his injuries.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm that one of the individuals injured in the incident... has unfortunately succumbed to his injuries,” the company said, while extending condolences to his relatives and loved ones.

Beryllium reported that two of the three surviving injured persons were airlifted to the United States on Thursday from the Norman Manley airport in Kingston via air ambulance to receive specialised burn treatment and critical care.

The remaining injured man continues to receive medical treatment locally.

The company said the well-being and recovery of those affected remain its highest priority and that it has been working with local and international medical professionals, emergency support teams, and authorities to coordinate medical, logistical, and family support arrangements.

It said that professional counsellors have also been engaged to provide emotional support and trauma counselling to staff members affected by the incident.

Beryllium said it remains committed to supporting the injured individuals and their families while cooperating fully with ongoing investigations into the cause of the explosion.

The company also thanked emergency responders, medical personnel, counsellors, and staff members who assisted in the aftermath of the incident.

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