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8 May 2026
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Explosion, fire at Rheinmetall Denel Munition’s facility in Somerset West
An explosion and fire has been reported at Rheinmetall Denel Munition’s (RDM’s) Somerset West facility but no injuries have occurred. In a statement, RDM said a “fire incident” occurred at its Somerset West facility on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, at about 9:50.
“No injuries were reported, highlighting the effectiveness of the safety measures in place. Local emergency services and RDM’s own teams were quickly dispatched to manage the incident.
“An investigation into the cause of the incident will take place once officials declare the area safe. RDM is committed to operating safely and responsibly and will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities during the investigation,” the company said.
The blaze was reportedly brought under control by around 10:30.
The last major incident at RDM’s Somerset West facility is believed to have occurred on 31 October 2021 when an explosion and fire affected its N86 magazine building. The fire was extinguished by Western Cape and RDM firefighters.
The most serious incident at RDM’s Somerset West facility took place in September 2018 when a blast killed eight people.
Munitions manufacturing is inherently dangerous and it is not uncommon for accidents to happen. For example, in October last year 16 people were killed in an explosion at a munitions plant in Tennessee. On 31 March this year, 13 people were killed in Bujumbura, Burundi, after an electrical accident sparked a fire at the military’s main ammunition depot.
RDM has previously assured it adheres to the strictest South African safety regulations and international standards, based on those of Europe and the United States, and complies and in some cases exceeds the safety standards and records of most countries in the Asian region.
In addition to the required certifications, RDM holds a number of independent ISO certifications and also complies with safety standards in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. It isregularly audited and tested by third parties including the Department of Employment and Labour and the Department of Environmental Affairs.
RDM is also a member of SAFEX — a global industry association focused on the safe use of explosives.
RDM is the primary munitions supplier for the South African National Defence Force and South African Police Service. It employs around 2 500 people.
Source: Defence Web
“No injuries were reported, highlighting the effectiveness of the safety measures in place. Local emergency services and RDM’s own teams were quickly dispatched to manage the incident.
“An investigation into the cause of the incident will take place once officials declare the area safe. RDM is committed to operating safely and responsibly and will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities during the investigation,” the company said.
The blaze was reportedly brought under control by around 10:30.
The last major incident at RDM’s Somerset West facility is believed to have occurred on 31 October 2021 when an explosion and fire affected its N86 magazine building. The fire was extinguished by Western Cape and RDM firefighters.
The most serious incident at RDM’s Somerset West facility took place in September 2018 when a blast killed eight people.
Munitions manufacturing is inherently dangerous and it is not uncommon for accidents to happen. For example, in October last year 16 people were killed in an explosion at a munitions plant in Tennessee. On 31 March this year, 13 people were killed in Bujumbura, Burundi, after an electrical accident sparked a fire at the military’s main ammunition depot.
RDM has previously assured it adheres to the strictest South African safety regulations and international standards, based on those of Europe and the United States, and complies and in some cases exceeds the safety standards and records of most countries in the Asian region.
In addition to the required certifications, RDM holds a number of independent ISO certifications and also complies with safety standards in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. It isregularly audited and tested by third parties including the Department of Employment and Labour and the Department of Environmental Affairs.
RDM is also a member of SAFEX — a global industry association focused on the safe use of explosives.
RDM is the primary munitions supplier for the South African National Defence Force and South African Police Service. It employs around 2 500 people.
Source: Defence Web