RIYADH: The explosion of an old Tristar aircraft at Taif airport on Saturday was caused by negligence on the part of Regency Projects Co., the British company that was undertaking the job of dismantling the plane, said the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA).
Four Pakistani workers died and several others were injured when the plane’s fuel tank exploded.
“Investigations have revealed that the men who were working for Regency Projects Co. did not ensure the tank was totally drained of fuel while working. They used an electrical saw to take apart the components, including the fuel tank. The sparks and friction generated by the saw caused a fire and the ensuing blast," said Abdul Hamid bin Hammad, official spokesman for GACA.
Those injured were taken to hospital after the fire was extinguished. The incident happened around 4:15 p.m. Regency Projects Co. is a British company involved in the purchase, operation and sale of mainly overaged vessels but most recently diversified into aviation and oil refinery management.
GACA conveyed its condolences to the families of those killed.
