Flammable refrigerants, yet another fatal accident in Zambia

To preserve climate and ecosystems, new eco-responsible refrigerants are being introduced. Where the problem lies is that they are flammable! At the slightest leak, if technicians and users are not trained or warned, explosions could be fatal. Sunday March 10, 2024, afternoon, accident, which occurred in Solwezi in Zambia, took one life and caused very serious injuries.

Daouda MBaye, Journalist

We can never repeat it enough, if we are not careful, flammable refrigerants will cause catastrophic damage in Africa! Unlike previous ones which were non-flammable and therefore required different working methods, handling and processes, new refrigerants must be treated with caution and under the supervision of trained and knowledgeable technicians. This prerequisite for training refrigeration personnel is just as necessary in terms of raising awareness among users.

The very serious accident, which occurred in Zambia this afternoon of Sunday March 10, 2024, leaves no doubt about the dangers of a broader practice of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, without these crucial steps! “We had a serious incident yesterday in Zambia, in the town of Solwezi, with flammable gases in a refrigeration workshop, where there was an explosion and 1 life was lost. The other victim was seriously injured. » This is what one of our members sent us in a laconic manner, informs U-3ARC. The president of this pan-African union, Madi Sakandé, told us: “I am so hurt, sad and angry!!! » We believe him, to the extent that he continues to warn all decision-makers throughout the chain and his message isn’t heard enough, in his opinion.

The beginning of the end ?

Outraged, the president of U-3ARC warned "For those who do not understand how dangerous it is to introduce flammable refrigerants into Africa before a major awareness campaign: I hope this is not the start of the end !!! » He said he was so saddened by this world of unconsciousness, but also by people who only know Africa through Google Maps, or simply through a safari, while claiming to save humanity, but in the process of eliminating innocent people...

In Solwezi in Zambia, one of the injured, taken to hospital, saw part of his face torn off and had burns on his legs and back. His clothes were blown away by the explosion, leaving several bloodied parts of his body exposed.

After Kenya, Niger, Zambia... which will be the next African regions to suffer the next accidents related to the handling of flammable refrigerants? Let us dare to hope that this is the end of a latent massacre!

If there is a call to make it will be this: “PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE BEFORE ACCEPTING INVESTMENTS, THINK TWICE AND REQUIRE TRAINING FIRST AND AWARENESS!!!