Videos have emerged on social media, showing an Engen refinery engulfed in flames.
Watch: Durban Engen refinery up in flames
Details around the incident are still very sketchy. However, we understand that the refinery is situated on Tara Road, south of Durban.
Moreover, according to Advanced Life Support paramedic Garrith Jamieson, who spoke to Times Live, the explosion was heard at approximately 07:00.
“All emergency personnel are en route to the refinery. From the pictures and videos it seems that some sort of tanker has exploded,” he said.
Jamieson was part of the first team of respondents at the scene and he took videos of the refinery engulfed in flames.
massive fire at the Engen refinery in #Durban, #SouthAfrica . pic.twitter.com/Qq15uir2gs
— Wolfaksh (@wolfaksh) December 4, 2020
Videos and pictures of a massive fire at the Engen refinery in Durban South coming through. This follows an explosion there. Emergency services personnel are at the scene. pic.twitter.com/cGbeAN52F2
— RIOT & ATTACK info South Africa (@RiotAndAttackSA) December 4, 2020
At the time of publishing this article, the condition of Engen employees had not been reported.
From on-the-ground reports we’ve seen on social media, it appears that the explosion has affected a nearby residential complex.
Residents at Flat 10 on Beach Road Flat opposite the Engen Refinery have started vacating their homes. Video supplied by neighbours. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/tQW5NOMhWh
— Jayed-Leigh Paulse (@JayedLeigh) December 4, 2020
Thus far, no injuries or casualties have been reported.