PICS and VIDEO: Two seriously burnt after massive explosion in Woodstock

Woodstock, Cape Town was rocked by a massive explosion and several secondary blasts on Thursday night, 22 September. At least two people were injured and suffered serious burn wounds.

WOODSTOCK EXPLOSION

The City of Cape Town confirmed the explosion. MayCo Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the incident occurred at a building on the corner of Plein and Victoria Streets in Woodstock.

A local councillor, Ian McMahon, reported that the shop next to Saleh BBQ Tonight caught fire.

The City’s Fire and Rescue Services rushed to the scene and contained the blaze. Several rescue units are also on the ground.

“The two adult male patients, condition code red, sustained 70% to 100% burn wounds and were taken to Grootte Schuur Hospital,” said Smith. “All services are on scene with road closures in place to secure the area.”

The cause of the explosions is yet to be established and more details will be released in due course. Solid waste teams are at the scene to clear the roadway.

Smith said a building inspector was sent to the explosion site but could not serve a Section 12 notice as the owner was taken to hospital.

According to Section 12 of the National Building Regulations Act, the local authority may demolish or alter any building that is in a state of disrepair or “is showing signs of becoming dangerous to life or property.”

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