Engineering News reports that trade union Solidarity says it supports power utility Eskom's investigation following an explosion on Sunday at Unit 4 of the Medupi power station in Lephalale.

On Monday, Eskom confirmed that the unit generator had been severely damaged in the explosion, which occurred during the displacement of hydrogen with carbon dioxide and air, respectively, for the purposes of finding an external leak. No injuries were sustained, but Eskom placed the employees who were responsible for managing and executing this work under precautionary suspension, pending the conclusion of a major event investigation. On Tuesday, Solidarity said it would represent its members who have been suspended. “We are currently compiling motivational documentation to provide reasons why our members should not be suspended. Regarding the statement that sabotage was committed, it is highly unlikely that employees would risk their jobs and especially their lives to cause an explosion,” said Solidarity’s Deon Reyneke. Noting that the main purpose of Eskom’s investigation was to find the cause of the accident, which did not necessarily mean there was a guilty party, Reyneke went on to say: “We support Eskom’s decision to investigate the explosion and have advised our members to cooperate fully with the investigation. We will also represent them during the process. The explosion was a major shock to us and our members that were on duty at the plant.”

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News
• Read Solidarity’s press statement regarding the above at Solidarity News
• Lees ook, Ondersoek ná Medupi-ontploffing verwelkom, by Maroela Media

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