Woman Dies At Hospital After 20Lb Gas Tank Explodes In Kitchen — NP Responds
A woman has died at Hospital almost two (2) months after a leaking LPG 20lb gas cylinder allegedly exploded in her kitchen. Reports state that 47-year-old Ria George of Diggity Trace, Debe, succumbed to her injuries at the San Fernando General Hospital on Saturday (27th September, 2025), where she was being treated for extensive burns she suffered. Her funeral has not yet been finalized as an autopsy is still pending.
The National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP) is reminding the public of critical safety steps to follow when handling LPG cylinders, following George’s death.
In a statement issued today (Wednesday 1st October, 2025), NP said, “Trinidad & Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP) is aware of media reports regarding an incident allegedly related to a LPG 20lb cylinder which resulted in the unfortunate death of Ria George on 2025 September 27th. NP extends its sincere condolences to the family on the loss of their loved one.”
The company added, “In this regard, NP takes this opportunity to remind the public that, once a cylinder enters a customer’s business or residential address, a ‘soapy water test’ should be performed at the connections between (i) the regulator and the valve, (ii) the regulator and the hose and (iii) the hose and the stove, prior to its use. In the event that a gas leak is suspected, customers are advised to immediately disconnect the cylinder and remove to a safe and secure location away from the premises. Subsequently, the customer is advised to report any issues or concerns related to LPG cylinders, to the relevant distributor or retailer from which the cylinder was sourced. NP remains available to answer any questions and render assistance, via its various communication channels, such as its hotline: 800-NPMC (6762); WhatsApp: (868) 686-NPMC (6762) and email: customer_service@np.co.tt, which can all be found on NP’s website – www.np.co.tt.
The statement concluded by saying, “At NP, safety is of paramount importance, and we remain committed to ensuring that before distribution, all LPG cylinders are safe for use by customers.”
NP also shared a video online showing how to correctly install the regulator (head) on an LPG cylinder, and how to perform a soapy water test:
According to George’s husband, Rakesh, she awoke at 5:00 AM on the day of the incident to cook a meal, using the gas tank that was placed beneath a kitchen counter. He said a piece of cloth was placed over the regulator (head). He was told by a family member that when she attempted to light the burner on the stove, there was an explosion.
Speaking to reporters, Rakesh said, “When she scratch and light, ‘Boom.’ I was asleep, but my brother called me. When I opened the door it had already happened. She stand up and my sister-in-law came with the hose. We also put ice water on her. The Ambulance came. While I was taking off her clothes, everything was peeling and coming out.”
He said their home sustained considerable damage in the violent explosion. “With the blast, it damaged all of the PVC ceiling, the curtain melted, the cupboard doors got blown out, the hinges melted, the sink raised, the fridge opened and everything melted inside the fridge.”
George was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital via Ambulance, where she remained until her death, approximately seven (7) weeks later.
Investigations are continuing into George’s death.
More on this as it becomes available.
[Source: CNC3]
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