North of Pretoria
By Lerato Mpembe
Two people have been killed and three others injured in a devastating explosion at a recycling plant in Akasia, north of Pretoria, on Thursday afternoon. Emergency services rushed three of the victims to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment, with two critically injured individuals airlifted due to the severity of their condition. The cause of the blast remains under investigation, leaving authorities and the community searching for answers.
Deadly Blast Rocks Akasia Recycling Plant
The explosion occurred on Thursday, 20 March 2025, at the Enviro Cycle recycling plant in Akasia, a bustling industrial area north of Pretoria. Emergency services were alerted to the incident shortly after it happened, prompting a swift response from multiple agencies. According to Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni, the explosion was caused by an “unknown explosive” within the premises, though, fortunately, no fire broke out as a result.
“Upon arrival, firefighters found out that an unknown explosive had caused an explosion inside the premises of the recycling plant but there was no fire,” Mnguni explained. “Several first responding units, including the South African Police Service, the Tshwane Metro Police Department, and several private emergency medical services were on the scene and assisted with incident management.”
Tragically, two individuals lost their lives in the blast, their identities yet to be released pending family notification. Of the three injured, two sustained critical injuries, necessitating immediate airlifting to a hospital equipped to handle their severe conditions. The third victim, while seriously hurt, was transported to a nearby facility by ambulance. Medical teams worked tirelessly to stabilise the survivors, with hospitals on high alert following the incident.
Emergency Response and Investigation Underway
The coordinated response involved a range of emergency units, showcasing the preparedness of Tshwane’s services in handling such crises. Paramedics from private services, alongside Tshwane EMS, provided on-site care before transporting the injured. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Tshwane Metro Police Department secured the area, ensuring safety and aiding the initial investigation.
Lindsay Mnguni confirmed that the cause of the explosion is still unknown and is now the focus of a thorough probe. “The cause of the explosion is under investigation,” she said, adding that authorities are working to determine what triggered the deadly incident. Speculation among locals points to possible equipment failure or mishandling of materials, though no official statement has confirmed these theories.
This incident echoes a growing concern about safety in industrial zones. Just last month, an explosion at the Njala Infeed Substation in Pretoria East left large areas without power, though no casualties were reported. The Akasia blast, however, underscores the potential dangers lurking in facilities handling potentially volatile materials.
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