According to VF+ representative Frans Burger, a cylinder containing chlorine exploded, resulting in toxic gasses polluting the air.

“The Municipal Manager of Emakhazeni Local Municipality just told residents to evacuate their homes and drink milk,” an upset Mr Burger said.

A resident of Machadodorp’s downtown area, Mr Manie le Roux, told the Middelburg Observer that residents near the Elands River have been evacuated by the SAPS and that the Fire Department is at the scene.

“All of the residents in the area are sitting in their vehicles in the street.”

He confirmed that no attempts to administer medical treatment under residents have been made.

Messages being shared on WhatsApp have confirmed that the gasses have spread across town. A widespread panic has taken hold of residents who further commented on WhatsApp groups to keep doors and windows closed and to drink milk.

Comment from the Emakhazeni Municipality could not yet be obtained.