After sustaining critical injuries, two men died in hospital after an eatery in Woodstock, Cape Town, exploded
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Last week Thursday, 22 September 2022, a fire broke out at 8pm at a building on the corner of Plein and Victoria Street, which resulted in the explosion.
The eatery went up in flames, following a suspected gas leak. The explosion ripped out the front of the building, set a vehicle alight and strew debris across the neighbourhood.
One of the men sustained almost 100% burn wounds, while the other had 70% burn wounds. The victims were rushed to Groote Schuur hospital with a medical triage of code red.
Groote Schuur spokesperson Alaric Jacobs told News24 that the men died in hospital on Saturday, 24 September 2022.
One of the victims was Vernard John van Niekerk, his wife confirmed to Netwerk24.
The fire and rescue department inspectors found two 48kg gas bottles. In addition, this was in contravention of safety by-laws, which limit gas canisters to 19kg.
According to the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, the canisters were connected to a two-plate cooking gas stove.
Residents reported that they could feel the explosion when the building went up in flames.
Police are still investigating the circumstances around the incident.
Our sincerest condolences to the loved ones of these men.
Also read:
Two people critically injured in massive Woodstock explosion
Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery