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- A massive explosion occurred at the Astron Energy refinery in Cape Town.
- Two people died and seven were injured.
- A visit to the scene revealed severe damage to one unit.
Sirens wailed after a massive explosion at the Astron Energy refinery in Cape Town, shortly after 04:00 on Thursday.
At 10:00, News24 was advised that the casualty picture involved nine people. Two died - a man and a woman - and a seven people - four men and three women - were lightly injured.
The situation was described as a live operation with possible changes to the human cost of the incident.
Earlier on Thursday, damage could be seen on one of the units closest to the Plattekloof side of the sprawling Milnerton plant, north of the city centre. The unit was partially collapsed and mangled.
"Astron Energy South Africa can confirm that an incident occurred at its Milnerton refinery at approximately 04:00 on 2 July 2020," a company statement read.
"Astron Energy immediately activated its emergency response procedures and notified the relevant authorities.
"The resultant fire has been contained and the plant is now stable. Our priority is to ensure the safety of all those onsite and further information will be provided as soon as we have confirmed the details."
The refinery has undergone a massive expansion since its purchase by Astron.
*This story has been updated.
