APUA Confirms Major Fuel Leak at Former Friars Hill Facility; Containment Efforts Underway

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority is battling a major fuel leak at one of its former facilities, triggering an emergency response involving multiple government agencies as authorities race to contain the spill and prevent lasting environmental damage.

APUA has confirmed that a fuel leak has been identified involving a storage tank located at the former Friars Hill Facility. Upon becoming aware of the situation, APUA immediately initiated the appropriate internal response measures and has engaged the relevant authorities, including the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), the Antigua and Barbuda Police Force, the Central Board of Health, the Development Control Authority, and other stakeholders to assess the situation and determine the most appropriate and efficient course of action.

Multiple Agencies Mobilised

The scale of the response reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident. APUA is currently ensuring that the necessary containment mechanisms are underway and is working diligently to mitigate any potential environmental or community impact. The Authority is in consultation with the National Solid Waste Management Authority, the West Indies Oil Company, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Environment, and other relevant agencies and stakeholders to coordinate and implement the necessary containment measures.

Investigations Ongoing

While containment work continues, the full scope of the leak is still being assessed. At this stage, investigations and assessments are ongoing. APUA remains committed to working closely with all relevant agencies to ensure the matter is addressed in a safe, responsible, and environmentally sound manner.

The Friars Hill Road area, where APUA's former facility is located, is a densely populated corridor — raising concerns among residents and environmental advocates about the potential impact on surrounding communities, groundwater, and nearby drainage systems if the leak is not swiftly contained.

APUA has stated it will continue to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as more information becomes available and has appealed for the public's patience and understanding as the process continues.

This is a developing story. Further details are expected to be released by APUA and the relevant agencies as assessments progress.