Ratanga gas blast injures 50
19/11/2003 13:46 - (SA)

Tisha Steyn

Cape Town - A gas explosion has rocked Ratanga Junction theme park in Cape Town on Wednesday, injuring 50 people.

Spokesperson Maggie Rowley, said staff were being trained in the kitchen that serves eight fast-food outlets when the explosion occurred at 09:45.

"The explosion took place near one of the stoves, but it is impossible to say at this stage what caused it."

Fifty employees were taken to four hospitals, including Milnerton Clinic, the N1 City hospital, the Christiaan Barnard and Vincent Palotti.

Three of the patients were in serious condition after suffering severe smoke inhalation. All the victims have second-degree burns.

Rowley said management was investigating ways to assist victims and their families.

Damage to the kitchen was minimal, with only a roof panel being dislodged and a black mark against the wall.

Rowley said 400 new staff had been employed for the seasonal opening on Friday November 28. The training of the rest of the staff was going ahead as planned.

To ensure maximum safety, Ratanga Junction closes annually for major maintenance work to the roller coaster and other installations.

Rowley said this was the first incident of its kind since Ratanga Junction opened in December 1998.

The theme park, which can take up to 13 000 people at a time, is a major attraction for visitors to Cape Town. An average of 6 000 people visit the park daily.

Rowley said management hoped to go ahead with the opening as planned.

Ten thousand under-privileged and disabled children and adults have been invited to Ratanga Junction on Thursday prior to the formal opening.

"We hope we can honour our commitment," Rowley said.