VANDERBIJLPARK – Workers at Cape Gate Wire and Steel Manufacturing South Africa in Boipatong were plunged into panic yesterday when flames struck one of their plants.
Nearby residents watched in disbelief as Emfuleni Fire and Rescue emergency vehicles raced to the scene while smoke billowed into the sky from the steel manufacturing plant.
Two fire engines, supported by several other emergency units, were dispatched to put out the blaze.
For many locals and workers at the manufacturing firm, the incident has raised eyebrows because it is the second major fire-related incident at the facility in just two years.
In January 2024, a devastating fire ripped through one of Cape Gate’s operations, causing extensive damage and drawing widespread public attention.
On Monday, fears of another major disaster quickly spread as smoke could be seen from several parts of the township.
Cape Gate CEO Dorothea Ziegenhagen confirmed that the fire was contained and described it as a minor incident.
“There was a minor fire in one of our operations in Vanderbijlpark on June 1. No one was seriously injured, and there was no serious damage to property. The company co-operated fully with the police and the fire department,” she said.
ELM spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni confirmed emergency services received a distress call shortly before 14:00.
“The Acting Chief Fire Officer received a call at 13:43 from an individual at Cape Gate. Vanderbijlpark and Evaton Fire Stations responded and found a chemical fire active and fully developed,” said Sangweni.
Firefighters faced an additional challenge because water could not be used on the burning substance.
“The fire was extinguished using high-expansion foam, as water was not suitable for the chemical involved. No injuries were sustained or reported,” he added.
Following the incident, Cape Gate launched an internal investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
