Man killed in gas tank explosion

PHOENIX – One person was killed and a second individual was injured while cutting a 24,000 litre diesel tank at a scrap yard in Phoenix yesterday afternoon. The Reaction Unit South Africa Phoenix Operations Centre received multiple calls from a scrap metal dealer reporting an explosion on the premises.

Reaction Officers and RUSA Paramedics were immediately dispatched and arrived on scene at approximately 15:54.
It was established that two employees of the scrap yard were cutting the empty diesel tank with gas torches when it exploded. A 36-year-old male sustained poly traumatic injuries (multiple injuries that involve multiple organs or systems) after he was struck by a large piece of the cylinder. He 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.