Two people died and six others injured as a result of the explosion
CAPE TOWN, July 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) –Two people have died and at least six others have been injured after an explosion at an oil refinery exploded in the suburbs of Cape Town in South Africa.
The police are investigating the cause of the blast which happened at 04:00 local time (02:00 GMT).
“The resultant fire has been contained and the plant is now stable,” Astron, which owns the refinery said.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety of all those on site and further information will be provided as soon as we have confirmed the details.”
Witnesses told local media that a large explosion rattled windows and doors of nearby houses and that significant damage could be seen at the 100,000 barrel per day Astron Energy refinery.
The South African police service posted several images of the damaged plant on social media.
According to a news report, the plant was restarting after annual maintenance when the blast occurred. The maintenance had been extended in recent weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A spokesperson for Astron said that all production at the plant was stopped and that the fire caused by the blast was contained after a few hours.
An investigation into the cause of the blast has been opened. — NNN-AGENCIES
