Local newsNewsUpdate
Aluminium giant investigates plant fire
There were no fatalities, and an investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
BHP Billiton Aluminium SA is investigating the fire that enveloped one of its Hillside Smelter rectifier units in Richards Bay on Thursday.
Thick smoke billowed across Alton as the fire blazed strongly for over an hour.
No injuries were reported but damage was extensive.
The company explained the blaze was caused by the high voltage unit which failed at the substation, resulting in a localised fire.
‘Plant stabilisation is in progress,’ said BHP Billiton Head of External Affairs Aroon Patel.
‘The impact on production is still being assessed.
‘There were no fatalities, and an investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
‘BHP Billiton Aluminium SA would like to thank the uMhlathuze Fire Department for assistance provided.’
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
