OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Saturday
POLICE are investigating allegations that the 12 people killed in an explosion in a floor polish factory near Johannesburg had been locked into the factory on Friday afternoon and had no emergency escape route.
Superintendent Richard Luvhengo said an explosion triggered a fire in the in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, shortly before midnight on Friday. It appeared the 12 people had tried to break down a storeroom door in an attempt to get out of the factory.
“The fire brigade put out the fire early today, but it was too dark to start looking for the bodies of the victims. We came back to it at seven this morning,” he said. Emergency workers’ efforts were being hampered by the roof, which had caved in.
Luvhengo said six bodies had been recovered by Saturday morning and police and firemen were continuing to search the burnt out factory for at least five more. Five of the bodies had been burnt beyond recognition.
“The owner said there should have been 13 people on the night shift, but he said one did not come. But then we have only got 11 names, so we’re not sure whether we’re looking for 11 bodies or for 12,” he said.
Luvhengo said the fire appeared to have been started by a gas bottle explosion, which ignited chemicals used to make the floor polish.