Online Reporter
Obey Sibanda
IN a dramatic follow-up to yesterday’s shocking explosion at the Road Motor Services (RMS) depot along Khami Road, new details have emerged revealing the terrifying moments when a welder was blasted onto a rooftop after a 30,000-litre tank exploded.
The incident, which happened around 4:45 PM, has left workers and safety experts shaken as investigators piece together what caused the massive blast that rocked the depot and nearby buildings.
According to a new report from the Bulawayo Fire Brigade, the explosion occurred while the man was carrying out welding work on the tank. The force of the blast hurled him several metres into the air, throwing him onto the roof of a nearby garage, where he lay helpless, with severe burns and broken legs.
The Fire Brigade responded swiftly, dispatching two fire engines and an ambulance to the scene. When rescuers arrived, they found the man still trapped on the rooftop in excruciating pain.
Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo confirmed that ambulance technicians, assisted by RGN nurses, stabilised the victim before he was lowered to safety.
“Our crew created a safe working zone and used rescue lines and a stretcher to bring him down. He had burns on his face and fractures on his legs. Oxygen was administered, and the man was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital,” said Moyo.
He said early investigations pointed to a buildup of flammable fumes inside the tank, which may have been caused by a coating on the inside. The fumes likely ignited during welding, causing the devastating explosion.
“The suspected cause of the blast is the build-up of fumes inside the tank. We urge companies to seek expert advice before carrying out such work to ensure gas levels are checked,” said Moyo.
Witnesses at the RMS depot described scenes of panic and confusion moments after the blast. Buildings shook, smoke filled the air and workers scattered in fear as they realised one of their colleagues had been blown onto the roof.
“I heard a loud bang and thought it was an earthquake. Then someone shouted that a man was on the roof. It was chaos,” said an employee who witnessed the rescue.
The explosion left the tank mangled and scattered debris across the yard. Authorities have since sealed off the area as the investigation continues.
