Renergen and its subsidiary Tetra4 have successfully concluded a comprehensive emergency preparedness exercise in the Virginia area of the Free State, conducted in full coordination with local municipalities, provincial emergency management, and provincial traffic services.

The large-scale simulation on Thursday 19 March was a mandatory requirement under the Major Hazard Installation Regulations, which stipulate that emergency preparedness drills must be tested annually to ensure community safety and evaluate the effectiveness of local disaster response capabilities.

The exercise, which took place at the intersection of the R30 and Kitty-Virginia road, involved a simulated accident featuring a liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport vehicle. The scenario was designed to test the disaster readiness of local emergency providers and hospitals, with particular focus on the Bongani Hospital’s response capabilities.

“The activities observed today were part of a strictly controlled safety simulation,” a company spokesperson explained. “This exercise involved a staged road accident to evaluate the disaster readiness of local emergency providers and hospitals. Whilst the scenario was designed to be as realistic as possible to test our high-level safety protocols, it was a training-only event. At no point was there any actual danger to the public, our staff, or the environment.”

The comprehensive drill involved approximately 40 “staged” patients to test hospital triage procedures and emergency response times. Provincial traffic services implemented temporary traffic diversions via the R730 through Welkom to facilitate the safe execution of the exercise.

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The simulation was conducted in strict accordance with MHI Regulation 15(4)(e), ensuring that Renergen, Tetra4, and local authorities remain fully prepared for any unforeseen events that might occur in their operations.

The exercise represents part of the company’s ongoing commitment to safety protocols and emergency preparedness in the region, where Renergen operates natural gas facilities that require comprehensive safety measures and regular testing of emergency response procedures.

Local residents experienced temporary traffic disruptions during the exercise, with vehicles being diverted through alternative routes whilst the simulation was conducted. The company has expressed appreciation for the community’s patience during the temporary inconveniences.

Renergen and Tetra4 have thanked the local community for their understanding during the traffic disruptions and acknowledged the professional cooperation received from their municipal partners in facilitating the successful completion of the mandatory safety exercise.