Durban’s massive blast: full scale probe launched

A full scale government investigation is underway following yesterday’s (Sun) massive explosion that left four workers dead and five others seriously injured at the Assmang plant in Cato Ridge, Durban yesterday (Sun).  The inquiry aims at establishing the cause of the tragedy, including any possible negligence or flouting of occupational health and safety measures.

Labour Inspectors’s preliminary findings indicated that a water leakage into the furnace may have led to the explosion.   The impact of the explosion resulted in the wall of the control room facing the furnace to collapse allowing the flames to engulf the entire room.  A worker who was alone in the control room monitoring the furnaces at that time got trapped in the fire and was killed at the scene.  Other eight employees who were working close by sustained serious burns.  Three died later died in hospital.

The Department has since ordered a halt to all operations in the plant until a risk assessment has been conducted to ascertain whether the furnaces can become operational again.

Meanwhile, the department is continuing with its investigation into the death of a worker who was engulfed by flames in December 2007 as a result of fire erupting from a furnace at the plant.

Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana, has condemned the death of the workers and vowed to pull all stops in getting someone to account for the deaths and injuries.  He expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured workers a speedy recovery. 

Meanwhile, the formal enquiry into the exposure of workers to poisonous fumes at the Assmang that was adjourned in July 2007 will go ahead today at the Cato Ridge Country Club, commencing at 09.00.