Huge explosion rocks Cape Town oil refinery, two dead [photos]

Astron Energy has confirmed that a Milnerton-based oil refinery encountered an ’emergency incident’ on Thursday morning, when a large explosion was heard at the Cape Town facility. Photos and grainy videos of the aftermath showed fires burning up one of the key structures of the plant.

Fire and rescue teams survey the scene at dawn – one unit is understood to have suffered ‘severe damage’ – Photo: Yusuf Abramjee / Twitter

Cape Town explosion: Astron oil refinery briefly goes up in smoke

A loud bang was allegedly picked-up by local residents, some of whom were woken by the explosion.

The blaze has since been contained, but just moments ago, we received confirmation about the wellbeing of workers. There have been two deaths, and a total of six injuries to report. SAPS filed an update on the issue from the scene:

“Two people (man and woman) were killed and six other injured in an explosion at the Astron Oil Refinery in Milnerton in the early hours of Thursday, 02 July 2020 at approximately 4:00. The cause of the explosion is still the subject of an investigation.”

SAPS statement

On the right of the image, you can see the crumpled steel and charred metalwork of the exposed structure – Photo: Yusuf Abramjee / Twitter

Astron incident: Two feared dead

The group issued a statement on the matter earlier this morning. They state that the plant has been stabilised and that more information will be provided once they’ve investigated the matter properly:

Astron Energy South Africa can confirm that an incident occurred at its Milnerton Refinery at approximately 4.00 on 2 July 2020. 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 on-site and further information will be provided as soon as we have confirmed the details.

Astron statement on the Cape Town oil refinery explosion

One of the earlier photos, taken shortly after 4:00, shows the extent of the damaging explosion in Cape Town – Photo: Yusuf Abramjee / Twitter

• This is a developing story and we will have more on this throughout the day