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The smoke had barely cleared on the explosion that took place at the Engen oil refinery in Wentworth last week, when another blast rocked Durban.
This morning, an explosion at a chemical factory on Otto Volek Road in the New Germany area of Pinetown has left at least eight people injured.
Initial reports suggest that six of them are being treated for moderate injuries, with two taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Advanced life support paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson, per The South African, told local media that the explosion came from within the factory.
TimesLIVE says that 20 Otto Volek Road is listed as Zeta Laboratories, which produces sanitation products.
Some witnesses have reported more than one explosion but this, along with the cause of the blast, hasn’t been confirmed.
Those in the area captured video of the blaze:
Emergency services are on scene at what is believed to be chemical lab in New Germany, west of Durban, which is on fire. Advanced life support paramedic Garrith Jamieson says at least two explosions have been reported and multiple people have been inured. @TimesLIVE
Supplied pic.twitter.com/vd8ocft19P
— Orrin Singh (@orrin417) December 8, 2020
Massive explosion in New Germany area. All services on scene.. pic.twitter.com/iwK5fDti1D
— Rescuetech KZN (@Rescuetech_KZN) December 8, 2020
Fire at a factory in Pinetown #ArriveAlive #Fire @BurnshieldZA @KZN_EMS pic.twitter.com/QHR34PIBlF
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 8, 2020
There have been reports of an explosion on Otto Volek Road In Pinetown!! #pinetown #newgermany #durban #fire pic.twitter.com/zYVNdONi90
— Glenn Bowden (@BowdenGlenn1) December 8, 2020
Massive explosion in pinetown west of Durban. The chemical factory allegedly produces hand sanitizer. pic.twitter.com/6oetc0QcJV
— Mashiza (@Zama7) December 8, 2020
DURBAN
Explosion at Zetalabs Pinetown
Sanitiser manufacturer’s pic.twitter.com/uGU6FlVrcK
— East Rand Traffic (@PeeMoTraffic) December 8, 2020
Emergency services are on the scene.
An eyewitness, Lee Maharaj, from the Clare Estate Action Committee, told SABC News:
“We have the Fire Department on scene who are trying to control the blaze but the fire is actually spreading because of the wind. As the explosions are happening, wherever the shrapnel is falling the fire is starting up there. All motorists on the M19 should exercise caution in that area. We do have some people that are trying to weave their way onto the verge of the roads to try and see what’s going on. It is dangerous to do this especially on the blind bends so exercise caution in the area.”
If you’re in the area, steer clear.
[source:southafrican&sabc]
