IOL News reports that there were no injuries reported following an explosion at the Sappi Saiccor Mill in Umkomaas on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast on Wednesday afternoon. In a statement the mill said the explosion occurred on a supplier truck delivering liquid oxygen (used for bleaching) to the paper pulp mill. “The on-site firefighting team of the Saiccor Mill responded immediately to the ensuing fire, assisted shortly thereafter by Durban Metro Fire and Emergency services. “The fire was rapidly brought under control and ultimately extinguished.

“All personnel and on-site contractors were evacuated to safety and there have been no injuries.” In addition, Sappi Southern Africa said it would like to assure the members of the surrounding community that the fire has been extinguished and that there is no danger with regards to any fumes from the liquid oxygen content. “We express our sincere gratitude to the members of the Metro Services and to the quick reactions of our in-house teams for containing the fire rapidly and safely.”

by Jolene Marriah-Maharaj