Justice Nicola Sharpe-Phiri, Ms Dora Zatte and Mr Guy Raymond Roucou have been appointed to lead the Seychelles Commission of Inquiry quarry explosion into the explosion which occurred on 7 December 2023 at a quarry site at Petite Paris, Mahé, Seychelles.
President Dr Mathew Antonio Patrick Herminie issued the written instrument under section 2(1) of the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1962. Justice Sharpe-Phiri has been appointed as Chairperson of the Commission.
The explosion occurred at a quarry site operated by the Civil Construction Company Limited. It resulted in severe injuries, significant property damage, and profound public concern.
The President stated that the cause, circumstances, and consequences of the explosion require “thorough, independent, and public scrutiny in the interest of justice, public safety, and the rule of law.”
He further stated that the matters and circumstances relating to the explosion are of “vital public interest and concern” and that it is in the public interest to establish an independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate these matters fully and impartially, to ascertain the facts, and to make recommendations.
The Commission shall be known as the “Commission of Inquiry into the CCCL Quarry Explosion of 7 December 2024” as per the official gazette published on 30th March 2026.
The Commission is mandated and required to inquire and investigate into, report upon, and make recommendations concerning all relevant and pertinent matters relating to the explosion, including matters arising prior to, during, and after the explosion.
This includes the cause and immediate circumstances of the explosion. It includes the direct and underlying causes. It includes the nature, type, and quantity of explosives present at the quarry site at the time of the explosion. It also includes the circumstances in which the explosives were stored, handled, and secured, including compliance with manufacturer specifications and industry best practices.
The Commission is also mandated to inquire into legal and regulatory compliance. This includes whether all legal requirements, licenses, and conditions imposed by or under the Explosives Act, 1966 and any other relevant legislation were fully complied with by the Civil Construction Company Limited and any other responsible parties. It also includes whether all authorities under the Act duly complied with and discharged their statutory obligations, including inspection, supervision, and enforcement duties, prior to and leading up to the explosion.
The Commission is further mandated to inquire into post-explosion investigations. This includes the nature, scope, methodology, and timeline of all investigations conducted by any person, office, or authority into the explosion and the explosives involved. It includes the findings, conclusions, and outcomes of all such investigations. It also includes the professionalism, independence, impartiality, and thoroughness of the investigation processes. It includes the reasons why the reports of any such investigation have not been made public, if such is the case. It also includes whether there was any attempt by any person, office, or authority to interfere with, influence, obstruct, or undermine the integrity of any investigation into the explosion.
The Commission is also required to inquire into the determination of liability. This includes who may be potentially civilly liable for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the explosion, including considerations of negligence, breach of statutory duty, and vicarious liability. It also includes who may be potentially criminally liable in respect of all matters relating to the explosion, including breaches of the Explosives Act, 1966 and offences under the Penal Code.
The Commission has the powers conferred upon it by the Commission of Inquiry Act. These include the power to summon any person to give evidence or produce documents. It may examine witnesses on oath, affirmation or declaration. It may receive evidence by affidavit or administer interrogatories. It may require the production of documents or information. It may enter and inspect any relevant premises or site. It may require any public officer or any other person to assist it in its work.
The Commission may also engage and appoint legal, technical or explosives experts, or other experts, to assist in its work and provide expert opinion and analysis.
The proceedings of the Commission shall be held in public, except where the Commission determines that certain proceedings should be held in camera for reasons of national security, the protection of witnesses, or the administration of justice.
The Commission shall submit a final written report to the Office of the President within a period of six months from the date of its first sitting, or within such further period as may be authorised upon request.
It should be noted that the CCCL explosion took place on 7 December 2023.