A nitric acid spill sparked a fire in Montague, Cape Town, injuring four people.
One was hospitalised as a result.
JP Smith, MEC of Community Safety in the Western Cape, clarified on social platforms, that the chemical incident is linked to operations on the premises.
Smith said the Fire and Rescue Service tracked down representatives of the company and are working with them to make the area safe.
Firefighters also evacuated the premises, and areas within close proximity.
“The public is requested to please not drive through the plume, to stay indoors and to keep windows and doors closed, and to switch off their air-conditioning units” said Smith.
Traffic services temporarily closed roads around the incident, including Link and Railway roads, Link road and Montague Drive, First Street and Montague Drive, 5th Street and Montague Drive as well as Marconi road and Montague drive.
The CPF in Table View, warned the public about the danger of nitric acid which is quick to burn and damage the skin.
It also causes respiratory distress and can damage eyes.
Picture: Supplied