Investigation into the refinery blast is still under way

Astron Energy has announced that two employees who were hospitalised following the incident at the Astron Energy refinery in Milnerton on Thursday 2 July 2020 have been discharged and are recovering at home.

Astron Energy South Africa confirmed that an explosion occurred at its Milnerton Refinery at approximately 4.00am on 2 July 2020. Astron Energy immediately activated its emergency response procedures and notified the relevant authorities.

The resultant fire has been contained and all work on the plant has been suspended. The priority was to ensure the safety of all those on site. 

Astron Energy confirmed that two its employees died in the incident at the company’s Milnerton refinery that morning. Seven other individuals were injured, two of which remained in hospital where they were receiving treatment for their injuries.

Astron Energy CEO Jonathan Molapo; “This is a terrible tragedy. Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected. Our priority now is to support them, and our colleagues, and to continue to ensure that the plant is completely safe. We will conduct a full investigation of the incident.”

There was no threat to fuel supplies because of this incident.

The investigation into the incident is still under way, with an external lead and combined team of internal and external subject matter experts. All relevant state bodies and authorities have been engaged. 

The company says it is too early to determine when the refinery will be able to resume full operations but we continue to import products to ensure no interruption to supply. 

A post-incident risk assessment has been conducted and there is no health risk to the communities surrounding the refinery.