One person has died and two others were seriously injured when an explosion occurred at an animal feed mill in Malmesbury yesterday afternoon.
Quantum Foods’ Nova Feeds confirmed in a company statement that the explosion occurred around 3pm. Equipment at the factory’s raw material intake area was damaged.
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Three people were initially seriously injured, of which one passed away during the night. Quantum Foods confirmed today that the remaining two are still in serious but stable condition.
‘The cause of the explosion is unknown at this time. No crime is suspected. Three people were injured, one of whom is in (…) critical condition,’ the company said yesterday, adding that all safety protocols were followed during and after the incident.
All employees were accounted for after the company conducted a roll call.
‘An engineer has been contracted to launch an independent investigation, which will include an assessment of possible structural damage. The incident has also been reported to the Department of Labour,’ it said.
‘At the moment, operating activities outside the affected area of the feed mill can continue.’
Mart-Marié Haasbroek, spokesperson for the Swartland Municipality, told News24 that emergency teams treated the three injured persons before transporting them to the Tygerberg Burn Unit and the Swartland Hospital.
‘The fire on site has been extinguished. The cause [of the fire] is not yet known,’ she added.
Quantum Foods said investigations to determine the cause and impact of the explosion will continue throughout today and added that the company will provide ‘all the necessary assistance to the relevant authorities’.
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