The initial investigations into the explosion at the Water and Sewerage Corporation's garage on JFK Drive two weeks ago, point to a leaking canister filed with gas as the cause of the fire, according to Chief Fire Officer Inspector Bradley Knowles.

"So far everything leads to a canister exploding," said Knowles.

While that is not the conclusive cause as investigations are still ongoing, Knowles said the settling tank was severely ruptured and was likely what led to the explosion.

The gas in the tank, which was reportedly filled right before the explosion, was used for welding.

Knowles said it is possible that there could have been some leakage. He added that the final report on the explosion is expected soon.

Meanwhile, Water and Sewerage Corporation employee Floyd Russell, who was injured during the explosion, is recovering after undergoing several medical operations in a Florida hospital, according to Minister of State for the Environment Phenton Neymour.

Russell, a senior serviceman and 20-year employee of the corporation, suffered two broken legs, lacerations to the face, burns about the body and internal injuries during the explosion, which occurred shortly after 5 p.m. on April 8.

Neymour told reporters last week that Russell was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.

"He went through surgery to both his legs and to his hip. He subsequently went through another surgery but he was doing well and he was in good spirits," said Neymour, who has responsibility for the corporation.

Neymour also said in addition to the fire department, an insurance company is looking into the explosion along with the Water and Sewerage Corporation, as well as an independent investigator brought in by the government.

Click here to read more in The Nassau Guardian