By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A chemical storage facility in Spartan, Kempton Park, burst into flames on Wednesday night, emergency services teams have confirmed.
It is unclear what caused the explosion and subsequent blaze, but video’s circulating on social media showed huge flames and plumes of smoke emanating from the factory.
City of Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesperson Maswati Mdluli said the fire broke out at a property on Vuurslag Avenue at around 23:40.
“The fire started at an Oricol Environmental Services chemical storage and sent massive smoke plumes over the Spartan area in Kempton Park,” he said.
The blaze was already at an advanced stage when firefighters arrived on the scene, said Mdluli.
“Firefighters were able to contain the fire, but additional resources [are] being sent to help fully extinguish the blaze and assist with the investigation,” he said.
Fire at a chemical factory at Vuurslag Avenue, Spartan, Kempton Park https://t.co/1FXHMiZGCY #ArriveAlive #BusinessFire @SCP_SECURITY pic.twitter.com/xsI9gPoyt1
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 27, 2023
Disaster and Emergency Services spokesperson for the city of Ekurhuleni Eric Maloka said no injuries have been reported.
“Last night there was no injuries or fatalities reported. Foam tankers have been deployed to blanket the hydrocarbon bedding. There are things still burning and the water is not a good source, so we have dispatched the foam tankers to blanket that.”
Maloka said there is an odour in the air around the scene.
“The nearby residents houses were badly affected by the odour. So, we are monitoring that. We also want to see if there is a need to evacuate them, and we will do if there is.”