Residents from Mhluzi shared images of the blasting, saying that it took place the same time the explosion was felt.

A resident in Dennesig also claimed to have seen a cloud of dust, rising from Mhluzi’s direction, immediately after the bang was heard.

After the initial impact, www.mobserver.co.za approached the Middelburg Aeroclub, Columbus Stainless, MFC Samancor as well as neighbouring mines, all of whom denied that the blast came from them.

Www.mobserver.co.za has sent a media enquiry to the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality and currently awaits their response.

Do you have a news lead?

Contact our editorial office on 013 243 1434 or our standby number for emergencies on 072 248 3855 to share your story with us.

Follow us on the Middelburg Observer Facebook group or page or send a whatsapp to 072 248 3855 with the words “add me” for the latest news.

Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online.

Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol.

A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).