CANAAN, GUYANA -- Barama Co. Ltd., a Malaysian timber company, said it planned to dismiss 274 workers following an explosion that damaged a plywood mill in Guyana.

According to Bloomberg Business Week, the company said it would close the facility for about one year to repair a boiler destroyed by the blast earlier this month. The company said employees were at fault for allowing the boiler to over heat.

No injuries were reported.

A senior mechanic, said to be among four persons being investigated for negligence in the explosion, told the Stabroek News that he fears he will lose his severance. He reportedly told the newspaper that he received a letter from the company asking him why he was not to blame.