MALMESBURY, SOUTH AFRICA — An investigation is underway at the Quantum Foods feed mill in Malmesbury following an afternoon explosion June 10 that killed one worker and seriously injured two others.
The cause of the explosion at the Nova Feed brand facility is unknown. Quantum Foods said an engineer has been contracted to launch an independent investigation that will include an assessment of possible structural damage, and the incident was reported to the Department of Labor.
“The Quantum Foods board and executive team would like to thank law enforcement, fire and medical emergency services for their quick and effective response and assistance,” the company said. “The company is saddened to announce that the critically injured individual passed away during the night. The other two injured individuals are in a serious but stable condition. The company will support the affected individuals and families where needed.”
All safety protocols were followed during and after the incident and automated emergency equipment was successfully activated, the company said. Protocols included a roll call to establish the safety of all employees on site, with all employees accounted for. Fire, law enforcement and emergency services responded quickly to safeguard the site and people. Fire services were able to bring the fire that resulted from the explosion under control and stabilized the environment.
Feed production operations continued during the night, as reported damage was limited to the raw material intake area, the company said.
Quantum Foods is a diversified feeds and poultry business providing animal feeds and poultry products to South African and selected African markets and is the largest producer of eggs in South Africa. Nova Feeds is a provider of nutritional animal feed solutions to the agricultural sector in Southern Africa. It operates five mills with a total monthly production capacity of 62,500 tonnes.
