At least five employees, cleaning staff were slightly injured during a scramble at exit points following an explosion of the electrical distribution board which caused panic and within seconds plunged a section of the Old Parliament Building into darkness. The explosion happened on the ground floor at about 09h30 and disrupted some scheduled activities and well as normal working operations.
The injuries were not caused by electrical shocks. Rather from a near stampede as elderly employees rushed for a quick escape through the doors and windows after a loud bang. Our investigation confirmed that the cause of the explosion was the liquid acid detergent, stored in a plastic container above, and leaked into the electrical tubing.
The overnight flow ultimately caused an electrical short circuit that lead to an explosion. Seconds after the explosion, smoke engulfed the ground floor where the circuit board is located; resulting in a commotion as panicking employees ran for cover.
Some employees reportedly jumped through the windows to safety and one employee suffered a small cut on the head while the others sustained minor injuries. According to our inspectors, it may take a while before power is restored to the affected sections as the circuit board will need to be re-wired. The department takes the safety of all its employees seriously.
Enquiries:
Matshube Mfoloe
Tel: 018 387 2447
Cell: 082 305 4594
E-mail:mmfoloe@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Public Works, Transport and Roads, North West Provincial Government
Source: North West Provincial Government (http://www.nwpg.gov.za)
28 May 2009
