Jean-Micheal pons, the country Chief Executive Officer Hima Cement said in a statement that operations at the factory has since been suspended as the company takes stock of the incident and ensure that the after-effects are fully contained.
Hima Factory
limited in Kasese District has suspected its operations after a Saturday fire
outbreak that left three factory workers killed and properties worth millions
destroyed.
Six other factory employees were injured with three in critical condition. But Jean-Micheal Pons, the country Chief
Executive Officer Hima Cement said in a statement that operations at the
factory have since been suspended as the company takes stock of the incident
and ensures that the after-effects are fully contained.
According to
Hima Factory management, a team was doing installation works at the light
diesel oil tank when the incident happened.
“The health
and safety of our employees and all stakeholders remain our number one
priority” Read the statement.
Ismail
Kaawo, the Rwenzori East Police Spokesperson says that they managed to team up
and stop the fire from spreading to the entire factory although numerous
damages had already been made.
He says investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of the fire but
leads indicate that it was ignited by sparks from welders that were working
near the oil tanks.
//Cue in: “Today the 15th…
Cue out: …ignited the fire.”//
Kaawo Lug
//Cue in: Olunaku lyalero nga...
Cue out: …tanks nezibwatika.”//
Hassan Rivex the Deputy Mayor in Hima town council says the incident is a huge
blow not only to the workers of the factory but also to the community who on a
daily basis depending on the factory.
He hopes a detailed investigation will be conducted to avert future
incidents.
//Cue in: “W also heard as…
Cue out: .. to go inside."//
Three of the critically injured were taken to Kilembe mines hospital while the
others are getting treatment at the factory’s clinic.
