Safety managers were assessing the aftermath of a blast at Exxaro’s Zincorp plant in Springs on Thursday morning, which killed three people, the company said.
The blast at the electrolyte zinc refinery, which produces zinc and sulphuric acid, left at least five people injured, according to emergency services on the scene.
”Preliminary information shows that an explosion occurred in the plant,” a statement from the company said.
”The scene of the accident has been immediately secured and Exxaro operations and safety management are assessing the situation.”
The company extended condolences to family, colleagues and friends of the deceased.
Earlier, Ekurhuleni emergency services spokesperson Roggers Mamaila said they received a request for help, initially for a fire, and when they arrived they found there had been an explosion that they were told was related to Argon gas.
Netcare 911 spokesperson Nick Dollman said they were told people had been attending their morning meeting when a sudden blast occurred and some people were thrown outside the building.
Three people died on the scene as a result of shrapnel and the force of the blast, he said.
There was no fire.
The injured were taken to the Netcare N17 Hospital and to Parklands Hospital. — Sapa