No explosion, says Tronox after loud bang prompts evacuation

A LOUD bang at Tronox KZN Sands caused alarm among Empangeni residents earlier this afternoon (Saturday).

The noise reported at around 4pm, followed by the sounding of an emergency siren, sparked social media speculation of an ‘explosion’ at the company’s Central Processing Complex (CPC).

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“Kindly note the current social media reports circulating about an ‘explosion’ at CPC and an evacuation. Please note there has been no serious incident,” reassured a company spokesperson.

“A tea cup with excess mould coating likely caused a loud ‘pop’ sound when slag was tapped into it. While the sound was loud, it’s a harmless reaction.”

“Given that there’s currently a furnace reline in progress and many contractors on site, the shift supervisor evacuated the plant as a precaution to carry out inspections.”

“There is no cause for concern,” the company confirmed.

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