Massy gas cylinders under scrutiny following multiple explosions

– company urges regular checks of bottles, gas-related equipment

Massy Gas Products (Guyana) Ltd. is facing mounting criticism following several incidents involving leaking gas cylinders, some of which reportedly resulted in explosions and extensive property damage.

Victims of these incidents have called for greater accountability from the company, citing unsafe practices and inconsistent responses to emergencies.
The alarming frequency of these incidents has left many residents shaken. In August, Jaiwantie Samaroo from Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD), sustained third-degree burns when a gas cylinder exploded at her grocery shop. The explosion not only caused significant injuries but also destroyed her business.
In November, a similar incident occurred at the Better Hope residence of Necolece Alexander, where they alleged that a cylinder exploded while cooking. Quick action with a fire extinguisher averted further disaster, but the incident left Alexander with minor burns and significant property damage.
Most recently, on December 5, a woman who goes by the name Abi Jaundoo on Facebook, in a post reported a leaking Massy gas cylinder at her home. She alleged that despite contacting the company for assistance, the initial response was dismissive, instructing her to return the hazardous bottle to the purchase location.
On December 7, Murtland Wills and Oneka Williams of Little Abary experienced significant structural damage to their home when another alleged Massy gas cylinder exploded. The explosion caused shattered windows, cracked walls, and extensive repairs estimated at over $1.5 million. Despite video evidence and inspection findings pointing to a defective gas bottle, they claimed that Massy representatives denied responsibility.
In light of these incidents, Massy Gas Products released a statement on Saturday emphasizing their commitment to safety.
“As an ISO-certified company, producing high-quality products and ensuring customer safety are our highest priorities. To ensure safety and quality, MASSY Gas Products employs a robust system of automatic leak detection equipment, complemented by multiple manual checks. These rigorous protocols ensure that our products meet the highest standards of safety and reliability.”
The company also urged customers to conduct regular maintenance of their gas-related equipment:
“Customers using LPG are strongly encouraged to conduct regular checks on their cylinders, regulators, and hoses. It is vital to replace old or damaged accessories with approved equipment and follow the safety guidelines provided by their gas supplier.”
Massy further revealed that in the Tuschen incident, an inspection of the cylinder and accessories revealed that the regulator was over 15 years old and the connecting hose was burnt.
“The gas cylinder remained intact, retaining more than 50% of the LPG (cooking gas). However, the regulator and connecting hose were found to be burnt, and the regulator was reported to be over 15 years old,” the statement added.
Victims and concerned citizens are now demanding stricter regulations for LPG suppliers, better customer support, and comprehensive safety protocols. In response to growing public concern, Massy has launched a social media campaign aimed at raising awareness about the safe use of cooking gas.
Customers are advised to remain vigilant, inspect their equipment regularly, and contact Massy Gas Products at 233-2728 or the hotline 600-0839 for further assistance.