There has been an explosion at ArcelorMittal Newcastle Works today, 15 September 2020.
While ArcelorMittal is currently unable to provide comment, according to information, one person has sustained injuries and been taken to hospital for further treatment.
It is unclear when the steel giant will supply an official comment, but according to sources, the alleged explosion took place when gas apparently exploded in the blast furnace. Steps are now being taken to secure the area.
In August, the Newcastillian – Online News reported, ArcelorMittal South Africa declared force majeure, following a breakdown at the blast furnace, located at their Newcastle Works plant. The clause of force majeure loosely translates as a superior force, which allows certain terms of an otherwise legally binding agreement to be ignored due to unavoidable circumstances.
With the blast furnace suffering thermal damage, an estimated shutdown period of three weeks was originally forecast, in order to complete the repairs. However, in light of recent events, this could change.
Further updates on the explosion will be made available when ArcelorMittal provides clarity on the situation.
Author: Quinton Boucher
Edited: Calvin Swemmer
One Response
The problems seems to be never ending for this once giant for of northern Natal what’s going on🙁☹🙁