Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) has confirmed that the fatal explosion which rocked its Somerset West plant, in the Western Cape, on Monday took place in the propellant operations building. “During operations an explosion occurred and destroyed the entire building and the immediate surrounding blast walls,” stated the company in a press release.
As of Tuesday morning, the company was still unable to confirm the number of lives lost. Media reports, citing fire and rescue sources, reported at least eight fatalities.
The company has assured Cape Town authorities that the plume of smoke which followed the explosion posed no threat to the public. “All necessary precautions are being taken,” it assured. The investigation into the event was restarted Tuesday morning.
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