Online Reporter
Obey Sibanda, Online Reporter
The Bulawayo Fire Brigade has released fresh details about the gas explosion that rocked the Road Motor Services (RMS) depot along Khami Road on Monday afternoon, leaving a welder badly injured and stranded on a rooftop.
According to the latest incident report, the explosion occurred around 4.45PM while the welder was working on a massive 30,000-litre tank. The force of the blast hurled him onto the roof of a nearby garage, where he was found with severe facial burns and leg fractures.
Preliminary investigations suggest that fumes inside the tank may have caused the explosion. Officials believe the tank had been painted on the inside, and a build-up of flammable gases likely ignited during welding.
Fire Brigade Chief Officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo urged companies and workshop operators to follow strict safety guidelines when working with sealed containers or fuel tanks.
“This incident highlights the dangers of working in confined spaces without proper gas detection. We urge all companies to seek advice or assistance before carrying out such work to prevent similar accidents,” he said.
Mr Moyo said two fire appliances and an ambulance were immediately dispatched after the distress call came through.
“When our crew arrived, they found the man trapped on the rooftop with visible burns and fractures. Ambulance technicians, working with RGN nurses, stabilised him by applying oxygen and securing his injuries before rescue operations began,” said Mr Moyo.
A safety zone was created to allow the rescue team to work without risk of further injury or fire. The injured welder was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for further treatment.
Witnesses at the RMS depot described hearing a loud blast that shook nearby buildings, followed by clouds of smoke rising from the workshop area. Employees and nearby residents rushed out in panic as emergency services descended on the scene.
The explosion left the tank severely damaged and scattered debris across the yard, though no other injuries were reported.
Authorities have since cordoned off the area as safety inspectors and fire investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the blast.
