VANDERBIJLPARK. – ArcelorMittal South Africa has confirmed that on Wednesday, 8 April 2020, at approximately 20:00 an unused gas line exploded at its Vanderbijlpark Works, causing damage to around 15m of the pipeline and some damage to adjacent buildings and pipe structures.

“The area was immediately made safe and all associated systems isolated. Restoration on the affected segment of the pipeline will begin immediately. Currently, the coke batteries are operating within the regulations of the lockdown and the restart of the blast furnaces and other operations after the lockdown period will continue as planned,” the giant steelmaker said in a statement.