In Pictures: Germiston chemical factory explosion forces mass evacuation, one injured

Rolfes Chemical Company fire in Germiston forced evacuation of hundreds. Hundreds of workers including neighbouring businesses were evacuated after amassive structural fire involving volatile and flammable chemicalsbroke out at theRolfes Chemical Companyin 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 mansustained second-degree burns to his lower body and has been hospitalised. Ekurhuleni Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spokesperson William Ntladi said a man He added that multiple fire stations from theCity of Ekurhuleniresponded swiftly after receiving the emergency call.

“Upon arrival, firefighters conducted a scene size-up and risk assessment, which led to the evacuation of the affected area. Crews adopted a defensive firefighting strategy to prevent the flames from spreading to neighbouring businesses.” He said firefighters faced significant challenges due to continuous detonations caused by heated metal containers. “Teams worked to defensively protect an adjacent recycling company and other nearby businesses from potential ignition,” he said.