Two men burnt in Bloem explosion

Two men sustained burns to their faces after an oxygen cylinder they were working with caught fire in Bloemfontein, an emergency services spokeswoman said.

“It seems that the two were working with the cylinder, perhaps trying to connect it to a machine, when there was a sudden flash of fire from the cylinder’s outlet,” Medicopter Ground Support spokeswoman Vanessa Jackson said.

The men were treated for superficial and partial burns to their faces.

Trained first aiders at the factory assisted with the initial cooling of the burns.

“The two men were in severe pain, and ER24 paramedics stepped in to take over their treatment... burnshield ointment was put on, while the other was given a dosage of pain medication to ease his pain,” said Jackson.

The men were transported to the Bloemfontein Medi Clinic.

The cause of the fire will be investigated by local officials at the factory.

No one else was injured in the incident.

The fire did not cause any damage to property.