At least eight people were killed in an explosion at the Rheinmetall Denel munitions factory at Somerset West near Cape Town on September 3, according to a fire and emergency services spokesperson. Firefighters are continuing to search for others believed to be trapped. The plant is jointly-owned by German and South African companies and manufactures munitions and explosive products.
Stock image
Local media said a huge fireball was visible from 5km away.
The spokesperson said the cause of the explosion has not been ascertained as yet.
According to its website, Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd was established on September 1, 2008 when the Denel divisions Somchem (Somerset West and Wellington sites), Swartklip, Boksburg and Naschem (Boskop site), became part of the Rheinmetall Defence Group.
