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15 November 2024
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Explosion results in fire at Germiston factory, Ekurhuleni; one injured
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A large explosion took place inside one of the factories in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, on Friday, 15 November 2024 at around 22h24. The incident happened at 45 Power Road nearest corner of Railway Street in Germiston South and was reported to the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) Life Threatening Call Centre. William Ntladi, district manager media liaison: Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), said, “The City of Ekurhuleni Emergency Fire and Rescue Services swiftly responded to the scene for intervention after the reception of the call, which stated that the factory is well alight and flames spreading at alarming rate. Three fire stations, Germiston, Vosloorus and Albertinah Sisulu fire stations were simultaneously dispatched for intervention.”
Ntladi added, “Germiston, being the primary responding station, was the first to arrive on scene then followed by Albertina Sisulu and Vosloorus crews respectively. Three fire engines were used augmented by 14 firefighters.”
“On arrival, fire was already through the roof section of the warehouse and threatening the neighbouring factories at the magnitude it was spreading. Scene assessment was conducted and defensive firefighting mode was the initial strategy applied to protect unburnt structures before extinguishing the actual burning building. Flames were contained and extinguished without further damage. For sustained and effective firefighting, water was connected to a fire hydrant.”
“One employee of the company was injured in the explosion and sustained partial to full thickness burns involving facial injuries as well as critical burns due to high possibilities of internal airway injuries. The patient was treated on scene prior road transportation by an ambulance to nearest medical facility for definitive care.”
“The flames were brought under control and extinguished around 06h00 the next morning. Information on scene stated that one of the machines used by the injured employee, exploded while in operation due to mechanical failure. For a more in-depth investigation, the scene was handed over to fire safety officers.”
Source: William Ntladi, district manager media liaison: Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS)
Ntladi added, “Germiston, being the primary responding station, was the first to arrive on scene then followed by Albertina Sisulu and Vosloorus crews respectively. Three fire engines were used augmented by 14 firefighters.”
“On arrival, fire was already through the roof section of the warehouse and threatening the neighbouring factories at the magnitude it was spreading. Scene assessment was conducted and defensive firefighting mode was the initial strategy applied to protect unburnt structures before extinguishing the actual burning building. Flames were contained and extinguished without further damage. For sustained and effective firefighting, water was connected to a fire hydrant.”
“One employee of the company was injured in the explosion and sustained partial to full thickness burns involving facial injuries as well as critical burns due to high possibilities of internal airway injuries. The patient was treated on scene prior road transportation by an ambulance to nearest medical facility for definitive care.”
“The flames were brought under control and extinguished around 06h00 the next morning. Information on scene stated that one of the machines used by the injured employee, exploded while in operation due to mechanical failure. For a more in-depth investigation, the scene was handed over to fire safety officers.”
Source: William Ntladi, district manager media liaison: Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS)
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