A Petrotrin worker with over 40 years service died yesterday after he was crushed while dismantling a pump jack near a well site in Penal.
Charles Mitchell, 59, a technical craftsman attached to Petrotrin’s production operations, was pronounced dead at the company’s medical facility in Penal.
The company, in a press release yesterday, said an investigation had been launched into the incident which took place around 11.30 pm.
A police report stated Mitchell was working with a crew dismantling the jack when the crank arm gave way and pinned him between the jack and the gear box.
He was taken to the company’s Penal medical facility by the company’s emergency responders where he was pronounced dead, the release stated.
The company has since lodged a report with its security department, Police Service and the Occupational Safety and Health Authority. The Ministry of Energy and OWTU has also been informed.
Extending condolences to Mitchell’s family, friends and co-workers, the company said Employee Assistance Programme services were being provided for the family and co-workers. A party of police from the Penal Police Station visited the scene. Cpl Ramsaran is investigating.
Also extending condolences yesterday was Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union second vice-president Peter Burke, who said he only heard about the incident on the news and had no details.
He said Petrotrin president general Ancel Roget would issue a formal statement on the matter today.