Two more people have died as a result of an accident at Samancor’s Middelburg Ferrochrome furnace earlier this month, bringing the death toll to six, the company said on Tuesday.
Johannes Stephanus Meyer and Johan Pretorius were unable to recover from the injuries sustained when ”hot gases were released” from one of the furnaces on August 17, said Samancor Chrome.
Meyer was a process specialist with the company for a year-and-a-half, and Pretorius worked as a fitter contracted to Samancor from Midco Labour.
”We are all deeply saddened by Mr Meyer and Mr Pretorius’ deaths,” said chief executive Jurgen Schalamon.
”We know the hospital employees did everything they could to help them and we thank them on behalf of all their families, friends and colleagues.”
Of the original 13 people hospitalised, six are now dead, and four remain in hospital. Three people are said to be in a critical condition. Three other employees have been discharged.
Samancor Chrome Vice-President John Ferreira said the furnace would remain closed until the company had completed its investigation. – Sapa