MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - Thick, grey smoke was coming from the PetroSA gas to liquid (GTL) refinery situated outside Mossel Bay on the way to Cape Town today at about 13:30.
A member of the public sent a video and picture of the billowing smoke to the Mossel Bay Advertiser, asking: "Is this normal?"
Usually there is an iridescent flame atop the flare stack at the refinery, not smoke.
The person continued: "I have heard that when there is dark smoke like this it indicates dangerous gases are being released. The smoke is blowing over Dana Bay."
Watch the supplied video below:
The Advertiser enquired to PetroSA about the smoke.
At 18:30, PetroSA responded with an official statement, noting that the GTL refinery had been shut down temporarily due to power supply interruptions.
The statement read: "The PetroSA GTL refinery in Mossel Bay experienced a series of power supply interruptions earlier today, resulting in the refinery tripping, and flaring being observed from the areas in the vicinity.
"PetroSA staff reacted swiftly and the refinery was safely shut down. Preparations are currently under way to start it up again safely."
Wikipedia notes that a gas flare, alternatively known as a flare stack, is a gas combustion device used in industrial plants such as petroleum refineries, chemical plants and natural gas processing plants.
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