UPDATE: Man killed in explosion identified
Family identifies man killed in explosion at Wilmar.
On Friday, 21 April, a man lost his life in an explosion at Wilmar South Africa. He has now been identified as 33-year-old Brandon Heylen.
Read initial article here: Explosion at cooking oil factory leaves one dead
Benny Mohlabeng, the Randfontein Fire Department chief, confirmed that three other victims were also injured in the explosion. Mohlabeng also said that at this stage, they cannot comment on what exactly caused the explosion as they are still investigating the tragic incident.
The Herald contacted Brandon’s brother, Dean, who sent the following tribute from him and his family to the Herald:
“Brandon Heylen – a name that will not be forgotten soon. Brandon was born in Durban in 1983 and at the age of five, in 1988, he moved to Randfontein with his parents and brother Dean.
From the age of five until his untimely death at the age of 33, Brandon resided in Randfontein with his parents and for a period of time, with his brother Dean.
Brandon matriculated in 2001 and was thereafter employed at a local video store for many years. In early 2013, Brandon was offered an employment opportunity at a local edible oil production plant. At that time, he had little knowledge or experience in the field, but due to his ability to grasp the procedures of the production plant very quickly, he mastered the requirements of his post within a very short period of time.
According to sources at his place of employment, Brandon was a very knowledgeable and dependable employee.
Brandon often worked overtime and was often called upon when other workers were ill or did not report for work. Brandon was the guy that you could always count on.
Also read: Explosion at Wilmar – Company comments
Brandon was extremely selfless. His colleagues would often seek advice from him regarding work-related matters. He would also offer assistance to his colleagues with transport to their place of residence when the need arose, no matter how far away they lived.
Brandon also tried to assist others that were in need, especially by buying sandwiches from vendors and then giving them to others who were perhaps not as fortunate as he was. By doing so, he was helping two people with one kind gesture – supporting the vendor and putting food into someone else’s hands at the same time.
When Brandon wasn’t working, he spent most of his time with his Mom and Dad at home, and in front of his computer. Brandon was an avid gamer. He made friends in the real world and continued those friendships by playing online games with them. Brandon and his brother, Dean, kept in contact mostly via the computer and a common interest in online games. The brothers were very close, as many brothers are, and should be.
On 21 April, 2017, Brandon unfortunately lost his life in an explosion at the premises of the Production Plant where he was employed as a Solvent Operator.
Brandon’s untimely death has left a gaping hole in the hearts of his Mom, Dad, his brother Dean, his grandmother and other close family members, colleagues at his workplace and the friends he had made in his life.
Brandon will forever be remembered by all the lives he touched in his short 33 years.
Brandon Heylen was loved by everybody that knew him and will be dearly missed by all. Brandon will always be loved by his family.
Brandon will be remembered for his caring and kindness towards everyone even if he did not personally know them.
Rest forever in peace our beloved son, brother, colleague and friend.
Know one day, that all will be reunited with you.
Your legacy remains, forever.”
Shannon Freeman, a friend who lives overseas, also emailed the Herald with a tribute:
“Brandon was an amazing guy, he had this way about him that you could just show up and speak to him about anything. He loved his PC games – he was always playing them, ha ha …
Brandon found me a job at Mr Video in Randfontein, after I finished college, and we worked together for many years until they opened up another store. My brother Danny and Dean are close friends and that’s how I met Brandon, but I also went to school with him,” said Shannon.
“Our relationship was close, we were great friends, but then I emigrated to the UK. We still kept in touch through messages.”
Heylen will be buried today, Friday, 28 April, at 12 noon, from the Methodist Church in Randfontein.
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