/ 24 January 2008

Welders severely burned in tank explosion

Two welders were critically injured when the tank in which they were working exploded in Pietermaritzburg, paramedics said.

Netcare 911 said two men were taken to the city’s St Anne’s Hospital.

Police spokesperson Inspector Joey Jeevan confirmed the explosion but could not immediately provide any details.

It is believed the two welders were working on the inside of a tank at CargoLite in Pietermaritzburg’s Nkondeni industrial area when it exploded.

Botha said one of the men suffered 100% burns to his body, while the other had 97% burns.

It could not be established what was being stored inside the tank.

CargoLite human-resources manager Anne Striker said the company was not prepared to comment on the accident.

CargoLite, a subsidiary of the JSE-listed Super Group company, manufactures body parts for trucks, including tippers, concrete mixers, waste compactors, vans and curtain-side and drop-side bodies. — Sapa