Update: 12 January, 9:30pm
Four patients received medical care following a chemical incident at the Ecowize facility in Montague Gardens, Cape Town, on Monday.
The incident unfolded around 3:30pm when local residents reported smoke billowing from the premises. Swift action by Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services ensured the situation was managed effectively and efficiently.
Fire department spokesperson Jermaine Carelse disclosed that the first officer on scene identified the incident as chemical-related almost immediately.
This prompted immediate evacuation of the building and the establishment of a safety perimeter, featuring a 300-metre containment zone to protect both personnel and the surrounding community.
‘The arrival of hazmat technicians was crucial to the operation,’ Carelse noted. ‘They performed a thorough visual inspection to ascertain the thermal signatures and any potential chemical reactions,’
Fortunately, their assessment indicated that the temperature of the container at the centre of the incident was stabilising, and as it cooled, the chemical reaction was expected to cease.
In a reassuring update, Carelse also confirmed that the vapour cloud that had been visible around the facility had dissipated.
With ventilation measures successfully implemented, the area was eventually declared safe and returned to the owners of Ecowize.
In response to the incident, Ecowize issued a statement confirming that emergency services had responded promptly and were managing the situation. ‘We would like to thank all emergency responders for their swift and professional action on site,’ the company expressed, highlighting their commitment to safety.
‘The safety of our employees, contractors, and the surrounding community remains our highest priority, and we are fully cooperating with all emergency and regulatory teams,’
Ecowize reassured the public that all necessary precautionary measures were taken and promised to provide updates once regulatory assessments were carried out.
Dangerous nitric acid spill reported in Montague Gardens
Motorists and residents in the Montague Gardens area have been issued urgent warnings following a significant chemical incident reported on Monday afternoon, reports Cape {town} Etc.
A nitric acid spill at the intersection of Montague Drive and Link Road has led to the release of dangerous fumes, prompting immediate action from emergency services.
Authorities are actively managing the situation, which has necessitated road closures and the potential for evacuations as a precautionary measure.
Disaster Risk Management Spokesperson, Charlotte Powel said: ‘Firefighters also started evacuating the premises, as well as the area 200 metres downwind from the plume. On site to assist are Metro Rescue, Traffic Services and SAPS,’
Residents in the vicinity are advised to stay indoors and avoid the area until further notice.
Nitric acid, a highly corrosive mineral acid and potent oxidiser, represents a severe health risk. Known by its chemical formula, $HNO_3$, it can cause rapid and considerable damage upon contact with skin or inhalation of its fumes.
The substance is notorious for inflicting deep, painful chemical burns, and exposure can lead to the skin taking on a distinctive yellow hue, known as the xanthoproteic reaction.
This incident is being treated as a high-priority emergency due to the immediate dangers nitric acid poses to both human health and the environment.
Motorists are urged to seek alternative routes to avoid the closed roads and to remain vigilant as emergency services conduct their operations.
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Final phase of main road repairs underway in Montague Gardens
Picture: JP Smith / Facebook
