Gas tanker’s timeline: Driver took the wrong exit

Following the arrest and subsequent release of the driver (32) of the gas tanker that exploded in Plantation on December 24, the driver’s employer, Innovative Staffing Solutions (ISS), says their investigations confirm he was not negligent.

They have also released a timeline of events in a bid to answer some of the many questions surrounding this unprecedented tragedy in Boksburg and have lauded the driver for his ‘conscientious actions’.

ISS Managing Director Arnoux Maré said they are deeply saddened by this ‘horrific and tragic’ event that claimed lives and left many other people injured.

“While we understand how difficult this time is, we also understand that people require answers, hence the detailed, factual timeline below.

“Following urgent investigations, ISS can confirm that the driver was not negligent and did everything in his power to alert people to the dangers of the situation.

“He demonstrated the utmost level of care and professionalism and we thank him for his conscientious actions, which potentially saved the lives of countless other people. Our deepest condolences and prayers to the families who lost loved ones,” said Maré.

He reiterated that the driver has a professional driving qualification in working at heights, approximately seven years’ experience transporting hazardous materials and is highly knowledgeable with regards to the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials.

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He also holds a valid driver’s licence – valid until January 13, 2027, and a Professional Driving Permit valid until January 12, 2024.

Maré confirmed that the ISS internal investigation has thus far established the following facts:

• On 24 December, the driver was on route from Richards Bay to Botswana.
• After overnighting for about 10 hours at an approved truck stop, the driver took the wrong exit to get onto the N17 highway. He immediately tried to correct himself to get back on route.
• The exit he had taken, unfortunately, directed him under the bridge.
• The bridge height restriction boards were illegible.
• As an experienced and responsible driver, he first stopped the vehicle to establish if the truck and trailer would fit under the bridge before he drove through carefully.
• Only when he was comfortable that the truck and trailer would make it under the bridge did he proceed with caution.
• However, the driver did not realise that the incline at the bottom of the bridge would raise the back of the trailer.
• At about 06:15, the truck got stuck under the bridge, which caused the gas tanker to sustain damage and release liquefied petroleum gas.
• When he heard a metal scraping sound, the driver immediately stopped the vehicle and jumped out. He first checked the front of the vehicle and could not detect any damage.
• When he inspected the back of the vehicle, he noticed that the tanker’s cap had been scraped off.
• He immediately called his ISS controller and informed them of the incident.
• The driver then called the fire department himself and alerted them of the incident and the gas leak.

• He immediately took the necessary action to cordon off the scene and to warn the public, motorists and passer-by traffic to immediately leave the area.

• He managed to stop three vehicles, but others drove through his barricade and would not heed his warnings.
• A security vehicle stopped and helped him to put up safety tape behind the truck, while the driver ran to put up the safety tape ahead of the vehicle.
• When he realised that the security vehicle had not displayed the tape far enough from the back of the truck, he ran and pulled it off and moved it a couple of hundred metres further to keep people away from the scene.
• The driver kept shouting at people to leave the scene and even tried to physically move the gathering crowds out of the way.
• Two women witnessed his attempts and also tried to assist him. One also provided statements accordingly.
• About 30 minutes after the truck got stuck, it ignited.
• The driver was eventually overcome by gas inhalation and lost consciousness. An ambulance collected him and drove him away before the truck exploded, about 30 minutes later.

The ISS investigation findings will be handed over to the authorities.

“ISS’s client and the owners of the liquefied petroleum gas tanker, Infinite Group, is a reputable SQAS accredited and reliable transport company with all systems, training and procedures in place,” Maré concluded.

“For over a decade, Infinite has focused on providing specialised services across the cargo supply chain, as a fully licenced, accredited and legally compliant South African company.”

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