[imagesource: Twitter / @JJSubroyen]

Part of the Engen oil refinery in Wentworth, south Durban, was engulfed by flames this morning, following an explosion at around 7AM.

According to Advanced Life Support paramedic Garrith Jamieson, the explosion could be heard from as far away as 25 kilometres, with six people being treated for injuries ranging from minor to moderate.

There is a voicenote circulating that people died in the explosion, but this was rubbished by Jamieson.

At this stage, it is unclear what caused the explosion, and the flames have now been extinguished.

News24 shared this footage earlier:

Further footage was shared on social media:

So and explosion went off at the engen oil refinery earlier pic.twitter.com/Y9U3ImKLbY

— local idiot (@earthtojayyyy) December 4, 2020

Some homes nearby were seen to catch alight, with IOL reporting that an elderly grandmother and her grandchildren were evacuated from their Wiest Road flat after embers from the explosion fell onto the roof.

This is not necessarily the house in question:

Durban | Massive Explosion | Engen refinery Residents homes now on fire pic.twitter.com/PRKNM7xIEQ

— Alert South Africa (@AlertZaAfrica) December 4, 2020

More footage of homes burning:

Homes burning in south Durban after #engenexplosion Engen oil refinery is an old Mobil refinery that @SDCEA_ngo had been campaigning against for years. @CentreEnvRights @FoEint @kuminaidoo @NnimmoB @Melita_Steele @melissafourie @makomaphil @BarbaraCreecy_ pic.twitter.com/TPZ5NQfYd0

— groundWork (@groundWorkSA) December 4, 2020

News24 spoke with Engen spokesperson Gavin Smith, who said the fire was successfully extinguished at 08:45.

“Engen’s emergency response team and eThekwini emergency services were immediately mobilised to contain the incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

“All relevant authorities have been informed and full cooperation has been provided. Engen will provide an update about the incident as soon as further information is available. Safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of our people, community and environment remains our utmost priority,” Smith said.

Considering the size of the flames visible shortly after the explosion occurred, it seems fortunate that there have been no deaths reported.

[source:news24]