Tobacco boiler explosions kill four

tobacco curingProsper Dembedza Herald Reporters
Three people died while four others were injured when a boiler they were using to steam their tobacco exploded in Hwedza on Monday.
A Banket farm worker also died last Friday when a makeshift boiler he was using to cure tobacco burst.
Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nobert Muzondo identified the Hwedza deceased as Morris Makamure (34), Lovemore Guyo (20) and Magret Choto (32), all from Mutokwe Farm under Chief Svosve.

Inspector Muzondo said the four injured were Elvis Chadzingwa (34), Donald Musoni (18), Brighton Gwenzi (23) and Rodrick Manzungu (20), also from the same farm.

Preliminary investigations show that at around 6.30am, the seven were steaming their crop using a tobacco boiler.
High pressure caused the boiler to explode. A piece struck Makamure on the head, killing him on the spot, and another hit Guyo and cut off his left leg.

Choto was struck all over the body.
Musoni, Chadzingwa, Gwenzi and Manzungu were slightly burnt by water from the boiler.

In the Banket accident, Luckson Chisharo (30) was curing tobacco in a barn at Plot 1 of Baron Gomo Farm when the boiler exploded, splashing hot water on him.

Mashonaland West police spokesperson Insp Clemence Mabgweazara said the boiler was punctured with holes to allow steam to escape.
It is suspected that the holes were, however, too small.

Officers from the National Social Security Authority attended the scene to assess circumstances leading to the tragedy and are expected to produce a report.

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