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Friday, July 3, 2020
Two people were killed when an explosion occurred at Astron Energy’s 100,000 barrel per day refinery in Cape Town, the country’s third largest. Seven others were injured and taken to local hospitals where two remain and continue to receive treatment.
An Astron statement said, “It is with great sadness that Astron Energy can confirm that two Astron Energy employees died in an incident at the company’s Milnerton refinery this morning. Seven other individuals were injured, two of which remain in hospital where they are receiving treatment for their injuries. All steps are being taken by Astron Energy to support the families, friends and colleagues of the two individuals who tragically lost their lives and those who were injured in the incident.”
The incident occurred just after 4 am local time on Thursday. The fire was contained and the plant is now stable but all work has been stopped. There is no danger to surrounding communities nor any immediate threat to fuel supplies because of the incident, the company reported.
Astron Energy CEO Jonathan Molapo; “This is a terrible tragedy. Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected. 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.”
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