Germiston chemical factory explosion forces mass evacuation, one injured
Hundreds of workers including neighbouring businesses were evacuated after a massive structural fire involving volatile and flammable chemicals broke out at the Rolfes Chemical Company in Germiston South on Thursday.
The blaze, which was accompanied by multiple heavy explosions, prompted the immediate evacuation of all workers in nearby factories. Manufacturing operations at surrounding companies were temporarily halted as a safety precaution.
Ekurhuleni Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spokesperson William Ntladi said a man sustained second-degree burns to his lower body and has been hospitalised.
He added that multiple fire stations from the City of Ekurhuleni responded swiftly after receiving the emergency call.