An empty diesel tank exploded in Phoenix – KZN on Monday, November 27, 2023. The explosion resulted in the death of an individual while another person was injured severely. The incident occurred in he afternoon when the victims were at work.
The two victims were cutting cutting a 24000 litre diesel tank at a scrap yard in Phoenix – KZN. They believed that the tank was empty and therefore safe to be cut with gas torches, However, it exploded and left one of the victims (36 year old male) dead.
The deceased victim was accompanied by a younger colleague 19 year old male who is currently nursing second degree burns. The scrap metal dealer who was the employer of the two victims saw the explosion that took place in his scrap yard.
He reached out to the Reaction Unit South Africa with the report of the unexpected accident. He called the reaction unit several times and informed them about the accident.
Further the officials of the Reaction Unit dispatched the RUSA Paramedics to the scrap yard where the explosion happened. The unit arrived on scene at approximately 3:54 PM .
Afterwards, the officials spoke to the scrap dealer and asked him the details of the incident.
After the interview, it was established that two employees of the scrap yard were cutting the empty diesel tank with gas torches when it exploded. The first victim, 36 year old male sustained poly traumatic injuries after he was struck by a large piece of the cylinder.
Further, the victim was declared deceased at the scene. His 19 year old colleague sustained second degree burns to his arms, legs and face. He was treated for his injuries on scene before being expedited to hospital by ambulance.
The social media users have been wishing for the health and recovery of the younger victim. Meanwhile, some social media users also wished for the older victim’s soul to find peace.