An explosion and resulting fire in a crude oil refinery in South Africa have injured seven people.
The Engen-operated plant is located in Durban.
The fire broke out today at the refinery at around 05:10 GMT, Reuters reported, citing local emergency services. Several fire engines were rushed to spot to douse the fire.
Ambulances, metropolitan police and national police also arrived at the site.
Later local authorities said that the fire was put out by 06:45 GMT.
A local resident told the news agency: “I saw a massive fireball at the centre of the refinery with thick black smoke billowing from it. A few minutes later many vehicles passed by my home.”
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By GlobalDataWith a capacity to process up to 120,000 barrels per day (bpd), the plant is said to be second-largest crude oil refinery in the country.
Engen said that an investigation is already underway to determine the cause of the incident. It is expected to provide another update later.
The extent of damage is also yet to be ascertained. It is also unclear if the incident will disrupt production at the facility.
Notably, another South African refinery operated by Astron Energy in Cape Town, with a production capacity of 100,000bpd, also suffered an explosion earlier this year.
South Africa, a net importer of petroleum products, has a total of six refineries.
