2 killed, 7 injured in refinery blast
DAUNTING: Astron Energy oil refinery in Milnerton exploded leaving 2 dead, 7 hurt. Pictures: ANA DAUNTING: Astron Energy oil refinery in Milnerton exploded leaving 2 dead, 7 hurt. Pictures: ANA
Two people died and seven others were injured in an explosion at an oil refinery in Milnerton early yesterday morning.
Astron Energy has assured people in nearby residential areas that the explosion posed no health risk to the public.
Astron is South Africa’s third largest crude-oil refinery and residents from neighbouring Bothasig say they could hear and feel the massive blast.
Several buildings at the plant were damaged while a fire raged for a few hours, covering the plant in an eerie green haze.
Timothy Coetzee, 19, from Bothasig, was working on a university project when he heard the bang: “My room lit up green while I was working this morning at about 4am and then the explosion noise came.
“I thought it was thunder and when I checked out the window, one of the towers at the refinery was down, with smoke rising.
“It totally freaked me out because I was sleep deprived.”
In a statement on Thursday afternoon, Astron Energy said: “It is with great sadness that Astron Energy can confirm that two Astron employees died in an incident at the company’s Milnerton refinery this morning.
DAUNTING: Astron Energy oil refinery in Milnerton exploded leaving 2 dead, 7 hurt
“Seven other individuals were injured, two of which remain in hospital where they are receiving treatment for their injuries.
“The incident which occurred just after 4am has been contained and the plant is now stable and all work has been stopped.
“City of Cape Town Fire Services and Emergency Services remain at the scene.
“There is no danger to surrounding communities. There is no immediate threat to fuel supplies because of the incident.”
Astron Energy CEO Jonathan Molapo said the explosion was a “terrible tragedy”.
However, he did not reveal what had caused the explosion.
“Our priority now is to support them and our colleagues, and to continue to ensure that the plant is completely safe. We will conduct a full investigation of the incident.”
An employee at Astron, Gary Claasen, took to Facebook to express his shock: “This morning we had an explosion at work. It’s sad to say goodbye to some of our fellow colleagues.
“My deepest sympathy to you guys and your families, and a speedy recovery to those who got injured badly. To us who start 6.30am day-shift, thank you Jesus we’re safe and unharmed.”
This is not the first explosion to occur at the refinery.
In 2013, an blast resulted in the death of a contractor and left another seriously injured after a scheduled and maintenance took place.
Astron has a network of Caltex-branded service stations.
*Additional reporting by African News Agency