Two people died in a furnace at a steel manufacturing plant in Coega, in Gqeberha on Tuesday.
By late afternoon, details were scant and police could not confirm whether an explosion had occurred, as reported by community members.
Police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said police and emergency services workers responded to the complaint at approximately 13:00.
"It is alleged that the males aged 39 and 48 years old died while two other co-workers aged 38 and 49 years old sustained burn wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment.
"At this stage, it is unclear what transpired and an inquest was opened for further investigation," she said.
The names of the deceased will only be released once the next of kin has been informed.
