Engen refinery explosion sparks government probe
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has launched an investigation into the supply of petroleum products in the country.
This follows Friday morning’s devastating explosion in Merebank, at the Engen Oil Refinery, listed as the second biggest refinery in the country. According to Engen it has a crude oil capacity of 120,000 barrels per day.
Earlier this year the country's third-biggest crude oil refinery, operated by Astron Energy, was rocked by an explosion in Cape Town.
The department’s Natie Shabangu says Mineral Resources is conducting a separate investigation to determine the cause of Friday’s blast.
"The department will urgently conduct an assessment and existing resources will be used to supplement petroleum products", he said.
"The department is relieved that none of the workers were seriously injured and we do recognise the incident has caused anxiety in the surrounding community", Shabangu said.
