Four people were injured on Thursday afternoon after an explosion at a chemical factory in Main Rain Reef Road in Boksburg, Johannesburg.
One person was treated for serious burns on the face and neck while three other people were also taken for treatment for serious body burns and smoke inhalation. They were taken to Glenwood hospital for treatment.
The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.
Five fire engines and about 25 firefighters were on the scene and till the blaze was contained.
Ekurhuleni Emergency Services (EES) spokesperson William Ntladi said, “sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid and many other substances were in the area that could have caused the explosion.”
Parts of the factory were completely destroyed.
#ChemicalExplosion Ekhuruleni EMS’s William Tladi goes through some of the dangerous chemicals stored at the factory where the explosion happened. pic.twitter.com/bArAHF19at
— silindelo masikane (@Slindelo_M) November 9, 2018
#ChemicalExplosion The explosion blew through the roof of where the chemicals are stored taking some of the roofing and smaller containers which have fallen in neighbouring properties. Chlorine can also be seen on the floor. pic.twitter.com/ktEM13H3wr
— silindelo masikane (@Slindelo_M) November 9, 2018
#ChemicalExplosion Clean up operations are underway at Richbay Chemicals factory in Boksburg after an explosion injured 4 people on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/XOuRnKXII6
— silindelo masikane (@Slindelo_M) November 9, 2018
Photo credit – eNCA
