WATCH: Huge blaze in Worcester as gas tanker explodes

The town of Worcester was rocked by a gas tanker explosion early on Wednesday morning, with residents reporting feeling it kilometres away from the industrial area at which it took place.

Reports of it being a petrol tanker are inaccurate, according to the fire department.

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said paramedics arrived on the scene shortly after 6am, and confirmed to African News Agency that two people were injured.

Both patients were taken to Mediclinic Worcester for further treatment.

Video footage of gas explosion this morning, in Worcester, Western Cape. pic.twitter.com/vZBSJdWmxI

— Elton Greeve (@EltonGreeve) July 10, 2019

https://twitter.com/NMakoba/status/1148820092848889856

The municipality said road closures affected the N1 Meirings Park entrance as well as road closures in High Street, Smit Street, Field Street, Brown Street and Church Street.

“This is as a result of a gas truck that exploded in the area. The public is encouraged to make use of other routes, reduce speed and exercise caution.”

After the explosion, the fire spread to nearby buildings, notably factories. The fire department earlier reported that the only injuries suffered were two firefighters as a result of fighting the blaze, but they were aware of no other casualties since people were not in the vicinity of the explosion to be hurt. A third injured person has, however, been mentioned in reports.

The department has said that they had contained the fire and were working to fully extinguish it.

More on the aftermath of the Tanker explosion in Worcester this morning.. Thanks to my listener Gideon for sharing these pics!! Businesses now on fire it appears 😳 @TrafficSA#TrafficAlert pic.twitter.com/gPmn2rdYCU

— Guy McDonald (@GuyMcDonald) July 10, 2019

Apparently there was explosion at or near Agri petrol station in High Street in Worcester. pic.twitter.com/MD1i4Ii2Zx

— Merentia v d Vent (@Merentia) July 10, 2019

TANKER EXPLOSION – GROUND ZERO: MT> @BOSBEER2006: #Worcester #explosion Aftermath of the tanker explosion in Worcester this morning. Scene still active so please avoid. Emergency services busy on scene. Unconfirmed reports of fire fighters injured. pic.twitter.com/hSsH3hBvbN

— The Fatal Moves Team (@FatalMoves) July 10, 2019

(Compiled by Charles Cilliers)

Additional reporting by African News Agency (ANA)

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