No injuries were reported after an explosion occurred at the Sappi Saiccor Mill in Umkomaas on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast on Wednesday afternoon.
According to a statement from the mill, the explosion happened on a supplier truck transporting liquid oxygen, which is used for bleaching at the paper pulp mill.
“The Saiccor Mill’s on-site firefighting team promptly responded to the fire that followed. They were soon supported by Durban Metro Fire and Emergency services.
“The fire was quickly contained and eventually put out.”
“All personnel and on-site contractors were safely evacuated, and there were no injuries reported.”
Additionally, Sappi Southern Africa assured the local community that the fire caused by the liquid oxygen truck has been extinguished, emphasizing that there is no risk from any fumes.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Metro Services and our on-site teams for their swift and safe containment of the fire.”
In a separate incident over the weekend, tragedy struck when six firefighters lost their lives while battling a blaze near Hilton in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The firefighters were employed by Farmusa Contracting, a contractor providing firefighting services to Sappi Forests.
Sappi responded to a call for assistance from the owner of Sterling Farm, adjacent to the Sappi Pinewoods plantation, to combat the fires. Despite efforts by a crew of 16 (15 Farmusa staff and a Sappi forester) with three fire trucks, adverse weather conditions contributed to uncontrollable fires. Tragically, eight team members were trapped, resulting in the loss of three firefighters at the scene. Five others managed to escape, but three succumbed to severe burns after being airlifted to hospital. Two firefighters remain hospitalized.”
