Kingston Freeport Terminal reports fire incident; operations temporarily disrupted
Published:Monday | March 23, 2026 | 4:57 PM
A straddle carrier at Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) caught fire earlier Monday, but the equipment operator was unharmed, the company said in a statement.
It said fire caused temporary operational disruptions and it “will extend operating hours to recover lost time and maintain service commitments to our customers.”
KFTL said the situation was “managed swiftly and professionally by our on-site teams, who responded in accordance with established safety protocols and training.”
It said the affected area was immediately secured to protect personnel and operations.
A straddle carrier is a specialised, tall industrial vehicle used in ports and container terminals to lift, transport, and stack shipping containers.
KFTL also noted the equipment’s onboard fire suppression system “functioned as designed, helping to contain and delay the spread of the fire until emergency services arrived.”
“The root cause of the incident has not yet been determined. A thorough and professional investigation is underway to establish the cause and identify any necessary preventive measures” the statement said.
The company extended “sincere appreciation to the Jamaica Fire Brigade for its rapid response and effective support in bringing the situation fully under control.”
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