Curaçao-born worker dies in Rotterdam refinery explosion

WILLEMSTAD/ROTTERDAM – NoticiaCla previously reported on the explosion that occurred on August 13 at the Gunvor Energy site in the Port of Rotterdam. New information now identifies the fatal victim: 60-year-old Curaçao native David Casildo Naar, known as “Rexy.”

According to relatives, Naar was part of a six-person crew hired to work inside a tank at the refinery. Three inspectors reportedly checked the tank and gave clearance for work to begin after determining that it was free of gas. However, shortly after Naar approached the tank to begin his work, a powerful explosion occurred.

Naar died at the scene. Colleagues who were standing farther away managed to escape, although some reportedly suffered burns.

Rexy was born on April 9, 1966, in Curaçao and had lived in the Netherlands for about 31 years, working for many years in the refinery sector. He leaves behind his wife, children and other relatives.

The explosion occurred at around 11:30 a.m. local time at Gunvor Energy’s refinery and fuel terminal on Moezelweg in the Port of Rotterdam. Dutch labor authorities are treating the incident as a workplace accident and are investigating exactly what happened.

Naar’s funeral is scheduled to take place Thursday in the Netherlands, while relatives from Curaçao are preparing to travel there to attend.