Denel explosion smoke poses ‘no threat to public’

The City of Cape Town says the smoke emitted from a deadly explosion at the Rheinmettal Denel munitions plant near Somerset West on Monday poses no threat to the public.

The explosion claimed eight lives.

Residents as far away as Elgin and Gordon’s Bay say they heard the explosion.

In a statement, the company says the explosion occurred during operations and destroyed the entire building and immediate surrounding walls.

More details on what caused the blast at the national key point is not yet clear and the Western Cape Human Rights Commissioner, Chris Nissen has called for a full investigation into the explosion.

The City of Cape Town says all the necessary precautions to secure the site have been taken.

Investigations will continue Tuesday morning.