Indian company TCRC blamed for Islam Qala blaze

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Indian company Therapeutics Chemical Research Corporation (TCRC) which is responsible for sample test at Islam Qala Port in western Herat province has been blamed for a fire breakout incident in the port in February this year, according to government investigation.

Basir Aryan, representative of affected vehicles owners in Islam Qala fire, told reporters here that the findings of the government investigation team showed that 1,254 trucks and oil tankers worth $33 million were reduced to ashes in the fire incident.

He said investigation showed that vehicles worth $4 million turned scrap as a result of the huge fire, adding that the government will pay $10,000 to every vehicle owner, with the total amount reaching $8 million.

He said in case the court of law found TCRC guilty, the company was bound to pay $33 million to Afghan government in losses.

He said under an agreement between affected vehicles owners and government, TCRC would have to pay $33 million in losses to the government and from the money eight million would go to the government and the remaining would be distributed among affected vehicle owners.

He stressed if the government and TCRC company did not reach an agreement, vehicle owners would lodge a case against them.

nh/ma