Update: Interwaste responds to chemical leak incident

Interwaste Environmental Solutions responded to the chemical leak incident that occurred at its licensed hazardous waste treatment facility in Power Street, Germiston, on Monday morning.

The incident left numerous people injured and as a result, 119 patients were transported to different hospitals.

“Initial investigations indicate that a chemical auto-reaction occurred in a waste storage container on-site,” said Leon Grobbelaar, facilities director at Interwaste.

“The site’s staff were immediately evacuated as a precautionary measure and people in neighbouring properties were requested to remain indoors with windows and doors closed.”

Grobbelaar also said that all reasonable steps were taken to contain the emissions and to ensure the safety of Interwaste’s staff, external stakeholders and the surrounding community.

“A mobile clinic has been made available for the use of people in the vicinity of the site, should they be concerned about their potential exposure to the emissions,” he said.

“The incident is being investigated by Interwaste’s health and safety department together with the applicable authorities.

“Given that this incident is still under investigation, we will communicate further details as soon as they become available.”

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