Arrested Umvoti truck drivers released

THE drivers of the two fuel tankers that exploded into flames at the northbound Ultra City at Umvoti on Sunday, have been arrested and charged.

But after appearing in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, the suspects, aged 45 and 56, were released owing to insufficient evidence.

According to KZN SAPS spokeswoman Lieutenant Nqobile Gwala, charges of arson, attempted theft and malicious damage to property were laid.

‘Investigations are ongoing at this stage,’ she said today (Wednesday).

ALSO READ: Diesel theft leads to devastating Umvoti blaze

The suspects were allegedly using a small petrol-powered pump to siphon diesel from the fuel tank of one the trucks into a smaller truck.

‘The pump allegedly caused the spark that led to the fire,’ she said.

Both tankers exploded, engulfing the tankers and the smaller truck in flames.

The drivers, who fled, were found hitchhiking later Sunday afternoon. One of them had sustained several burns.

GALLERY: Umvoti Ultra City blaze in pictures

Firefighters from Kwadukuza and Durban risked life and limb to extinguish the blaze that raged for nearly two hours.

Despite their best efforts, one home adjacent to the Ultra City was destroyed.