
No explosion, says Tronox after loud bang prompts evacuation
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).
ALSO READ: R100k reward to catch fugitive linked to missing Sodwana skipper
'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.
Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695
Instagram – zululand_observer
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
SPCA confirms capture of baboon on the loose in Cape Town
The SPCA has confirmed the the male baboon that was on the loose in the southern suburbs in Cape Town has been captured and will be released into its natural habitat. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the SPCA confirmed that after a tense day of tracking and multiple evasions, they were relieved to share a positive outcome for the young dispersing male baboon spotted in Claremont and surrounding suburbs. 'Early this morning, our team, working alongside the Cape Baboon Partnership and a wildlife veterinarian, returned to the area where he had slept the previous night. 'The baboon was successfully darted, given a full health assessment, and is en route to be safely released into his natural roaming territory. 'This outcome gives him the best chance to continue his natural dispersal without facing the many dangers posed by urban environments. 'Baboons do not belong in residential areas. Urban spaces are filled with threats: roads, fences, domestic pets, and people. While sightings may seem exciting, these moments are stressful and dangerous for wildlife.' The SPCA expressed its gratitude to all those involved in the capture and release of the animal, and also issued a reminder that baboons remain a protected species. 'A heartfelt thank you to the community for your cooperation and care, and to every member of the response team who worked tirelessly to ensure his safety. 'If you see a wild animal in distress, please contact the SPCA at (021) 700 4158/9. 'Baboons remain protected under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974. It is illegal to harm, harass, or interfere with them.' The South African website received videos and confirmed reports on Friday of the baboon moving between houses in Rondebosch. This comes amid concerns of increasing encounters between baboons in the South Peninsula and residents in Cape Town's southern suburbs. The video shows a large male baboon climbing off a terrace and into a garden. Video: Supplied An earlier report, published on Friday morning, urged residents to be cautious after a young male baboon had been seen making his way through Wynberg towards Newlands. In a second video, a trap appears to have been set for the primate. It initially looked successful, before the animal breaks free again. Watch below: In this second video, the baboon evades capture. Video: Jill Thewlis-Hunter In related news, a road patrol guard was filmed earlier this year assisting two baboons as they tentatively crossed Simon's Town's busy main road. The footage was originally uploaded on Instagram by thecaperobyn. It included the caption 'If you listen very carefully, you can hear Charles Darwin laughing.' It began to go viral after it was shared by the South Africa Instagram account – a page that regularly publishes South African travel content. While some baboon encounters in the area have lead to conflict, this moment offered a rare example of coexistence, with a human stepping in to ensure the baboons aren't hit by cars. Chacma baboons ( Papio ursinus ) are native to Southern Africa. They are commonly found in the Cape Peninsula, where they often come into contact with humans. The chacma is like all other baboons – from the Old World monkey family – and is one of the largest of all primates. The species is highly adaptable and frequently ventures into urban and residential areas in search of food. As human development pushes up the mountain into their natural habitat, the animals are increasingly entering plush properties to forage in gardens and take the pickings from bins. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Learn sign language at Thuthukani Special School
Less than a minute Tracey Turner Less than a minute Thuthukani Special School is offering a sign language course starting on Wednesday, 23 July, at 12 noon on the school's premises. The course runs over seven weeks, with weekly sessions lasting 90 minutes. The full course costs R1 500 and is limited to just 10 people. Bookings close on Friday, 27 June. For more information or to book your place, email thuthukani@ Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
City of uMhlathuze puts temporary measures in place to address waste collection delays
City of uMhlathuze puts temporary measures in place to address waste collection delays This week's strike by municipal employees affiliated to the South African Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) has disrupted waste collection across the City of uMhlathuze. As an interim measure, residents with valid municipal rates accounts have been encouraged to dispose of their household waste at the King Cetshwayo District Municipality landfill site in Empangeni, opposite the cemetery. ALSO READ: WATCH: Union marchers hand over list of grievances to City of uMhlathuze This service will be free upon presentation of proof of residence. The arrangement is effective from today (Thursday, 19 June) until Monday, 23 June. Landfill site operating hours are 7.30am to 4.30pm. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!