Crane working on ‘mud plant’ collapses on city’s abattoir

A crane which was involved in operations for John Fernandes at Kingston, Georgetown in building a mud plant to support offshore operations for the oil and gas industry, toppled and crashed into the city abattoir; miraculously, no one was injured in the accident.

The City Council said it has closed the abattoir until further notice.

Workers were seen scampering for safety as officials of the company tried to keep persons from the area.

“Today, Thursday 27, February at approximately 14:50hrs, a Crane belonging to John Fernandes Company Ltd, fell on to the roof of the abattoir.

“The roof, walls and windows of the kitchen area was severely damaged. Also, the roof of the slaughtering chambers was damaged,” City Hall stated.

City Hall said meat and food inspectors will be engaged in onsite inspections on the usual slaughtering days – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at a section of the abattoir.

This is to facilitate the inspections of carcasses of animals coming from the areas outside of the City. This is necessary to ensure that wholesome meat reaches the consumers. The Food Hygiene Section and Municipal Abattoir falls under the Medical Officer of Health Department (MOH).

The functions of the section includes the slaughtering of bovine, porcine and ovine animals, inspection of animals for communicable diseases and disposal of unsound meat.

“The Council views this accident as unfortunate and regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the business community and persons who use the facility.

“The Council is currently evaluating the damages,” City Hall stated.