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Paladin Energy Ltd: Paladin Energy Ltd: Kayelekera Uranium Project Construction Accident

^{Published on 2009-03-17 05:59:06, Last Modified on 2009-03-17 05:59:32 - Market Wire}
 

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA--(Marketwire - March 17, 2009) - Paladin Energy Ltd ("Paladin" or "the Company") (TSX:PDN)(ASX:PDN) regrets to advise that three construction contractors have been injured as the result of a flash vapour fire which occurred at the Kayelekera Uranium Project construction site in Malawi on Monday, 16th March. The accident occurred when solvent cleaning fluid being used in a steel tank was ignited by an external source.

The flash fire was quickly extinguished, however three Malawian construction workers suffered serious burns. They immediately were treated by the on-site International SOS doctor and his medical team and were then rushed via jet aircraft to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the city of Blantyre, where they arrived later on Monday afternoon. The men, who are employed by Capital Outsourcing Group, are reported to be in a critical but stable condition. Paladin is very concerned for the well-being of the three subcontract workers and that of all employees on the project, which, until this accident, has achieved an exemplary safety record.

Relevant Malawi government departments have been informed of the accident and a full investigation into the incident is underway. Family members have been advised and support for immediate family members to attend the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Blantyre is being provided.