Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) crews from Zonkizizwe, Hlahatsi and Wadeville fire stations, battled the flames of two articulate trucks after a crash on the N3 freeway south bound before Petroport just outside Vosloorus in Ekurhuleni.
According to William Ntladi, district manager media liaison Emergency Services, around 7pm on Tuesday, June 4, a fleet of four fire engines responded simultaneously from different fire stations to the incident of a truck tanker and a container truck which were reported to be engulfed by flames.
“A rescue pumper, major industrial pumper and two water tankers all responded to the scene,” said Nladi.
“On arrival, the two truck horses were already crumbling because of the extent heat from the fire. Active firefighting was initiated, and blaze was contained and extinguished without further damage.
“On preliminary investigations, one driver who was found on scene said thick smoke emitted from the grass fire burning along the freeway was blown across the road which obscured their vision and subsequently led to the crash.
“As per information on scene, the trucks burst into flames because of the ruptured fuel tanks from both trucks that led the diesel fuel to flow downstream to the burning grass. Back burn took place and led both trucks to be engulfed by flames.”
Nladi said traffic had to be diverted onto the opposite side of the freeway, allowing one lane south and one lane north. The road was closed for the duration of the rehabilitation processes.
Investigations continue.
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