Sasol’s spokesman, Mr Elton Fortuin, said he can confirm that most employees injured during last night’s incident at the Synthol West plant were treated for smoke inhalation and shock.
Sasol’s spokesman, Mr Elton Fortuin, said he can confirm that most employees injured during last night’s incident at the Synthol West plant were treated for smoke inhalation and shock.
“A few did sustain minor wrist burns, however, there were no serious injuries and no one was hospitalised.
About the employees who had to sign forms stating they will not talk about the accident, he said: “As part of the investigation procedure, written statements are taken from eyewitnesses.
“No employees or service providers were asked to sign confidentiality forms, instead people were requested to sign a roll call list to verify their whereabouts.”
About the employees who had to sign forms stating they will not talk about the accident, he said: “As part of the investigation procedure, written statements are taken from eyewitnesses.
“No employees or service providers were asked to sign confidentiality forms, instead people were requested to sign a roll call list to verify their whereabouts.”
Residents woke up at about 10pm last night from a very loud noise.
Soon thereafter the emergency sirens in town sounded.
The various social media were soon abuzz with people wanting to know what was happening and for more information.
Friends and family members said there was a big explosion at the Synthol West plant and they could see huge flames coming from the plant.
It was apparently announced by HR that the area had to be evacuated and employees said safety personnel were immediately on the scene.
According to employees, buses were organised for them at 2am to go home.
Sasol employees apparently had to sign a form that they will not talk to anybody about what had happened.
Sasol’s spokesman, Mr Elton Fortuin, said in a statement there was a fire at Sasol’s Synthol Plant, but did not give more detailed information about the incident.
He said: “The fire was contained to a relatively small part of the plant.
“Emergency protocols were immediately activated and all personnel were evacuated from the area.
“There were no fatalities or significant injuries.
“Abound 23 employees were treated at the local medical station, mostly for smoke inhalation.
“No employees were hospitalised.
“The cause of the incident will be investigated and Sasol will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities in this regard.”
The newspaper heard some employees had suffered second degree burns, but this could not be confirmed.
History of explosions at Sasol:
Sasol has had several major incidents and deaths over the years.
One of the worst was when six people had died and about a hundred were injured in an explosion that occurred at 9.40am at the Polymers Ethylene plant in Secunda.
