Published 19 November 2018
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
FBI REPORT CONFIRMS FINDINGS OF LOCAL INVESTIGATORS INTO EXPLOSION
November 16, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FBI REPORT CONFIRMS FINDINGS OF LOCAL INVESTIGATORS INTO
EXPLOSION
On Wednesday, October 03, 2018, at about 8:40 p.m., Police received a report of an explosion at
an apartment building that houses students of the Medical University of the Americas. The
building is situated at Pot Works, Nevis. As a result, the Police responded immediately, along
with the Fire and Rescue Services.
28-year-old Nada Khalil and 31-year-old Gayane Balasanyan, both citizens of the United States
of America (U.S.A.), were in a section of the apartment building when an explosion took place in
that area destroying the section and extensively damaging adjoining sections. The two students
sustained severe thermal burns and were immediately transported to the Alexandra Hospital for
treatment. As a result of their injuries, both students were transported to the U.S.A. via air
ambulance for further medical attention.
Members of the Fire and Rescue Services extinguished the fire caused by the explosion. The area
was cordoned to allow for personnel from the Crime Scene Unit and the Criminal Investigation
Department, along with Fire investigators to process the scene.
On October 09, 2018, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) made a
request for assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Barbados regarding the investigation into the
explosion. On October 10, 2018, a Supervisory Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) arrived in the Federation.
After a briefing with local investigators, interviews with key persons and an analysis of the
scene, a section of the report provided by the agent stated:
“…there were no known indications that either victim was targeted, or that either victim
intentionally caused the blast. Examination of the scene did not reveal any evidence of a
destructive device or illicit activity that could result in an explosion. The condition of the stove
burner control knob and/or gas supply line present the possibility that propane unintentionally
leaked into the apartment. If initial reporting is corroborated, the victim’s attempt to light a
cigarette was the likely source that led to the blast and subsequent fire.”
His findings are in line with the findings of local investigators. It must be noted, however, that
the report also stated that conclusions regarding the origins of the suspected gas leak could not be
provided by the FBI. Notwithstanding that, the observations provided will serve to further the
investigations of the RSCNPF.
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FBI REPORT CONFIRMS FINDINGS OF LOCAL INVESTIGATORS INTO EXPLOSION
