The driver of the tanker concerned in the explosion that occurred on 24 December in Boksburg has been launched from jail as a result of a scarcity of proof.
Following the explosion, Innovative Staffing Solutions (ISS) performed an pressing investigation into the driver’s conduct on the day.
Driver discovered to not have been negligent
According to ISS Managing Director Arnoux Maré, the driver has an expert driving qualification in working at heights. He additionally has roughly seven years of expertise transporting hazardous supplies.
He has a legitimate driver’s license that is legitimate till January 13, 2027. The driver’s Professional Driving Permit is legitimate till January 12, 2024.
Following an pressing investigation, ISS decided that the driver was not negligent.
They discovered he did all the pieces doable to warn folks of the risks of the scenario.
ISS mentioned he acted with the utmost care and professionalism, they usually thanked him for his conscientious actions.
On 28 December, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) acknowledged that there was no case towards the driver.
Detailed report of the occasions main as much as that day
ISS mentioned that it’s deeply saddened by this horrific and tragic occasion that claimed the lives of a number of folks.
They acknowledged that they acknowledge that folks want solutions and have offered the detailed timeline under.
- On 24 December 2022, the driver was en route from Richards Bay to Botswana.
- After overnighting for roughly 10 hours at an accepted truck cease, the driver took the mistaken exit to get onto the N17 freeway. He instantly tried to right himself to get again on route.
- The exit sadly directed him beneath the bridge.
- The bridge peak restriction boards have been illegible.
- As an skilled and accountable driver, he first stopped the car to ascertain if the truck and trailer would match beneath the bridge earlier than he drove by way of rigorously.
- Only when he was comfy that the truck and trailer would make it beneath the bridge, he proceeded with warning.
- However, the driver didn’t realise that the incline at the backside of the bridge would increase the again of the trailer.
Truck will get caught beneath bridge
- At roughly 06:15, the truck obtained caught beneath the bridge, which triggered the gasoline tanker to maintain injury which launched liquified petroleum gasoline.
- When he heard a metallic scraping sound, he instantly stopped the car and jumped out. He first checked the entrance of the car and couldn’t detect any injury.
- When he inspected the again of the car, he observed that the tanker’s cap had been scraped off.
- He instantly referred to as his ISS controller and knowledgeable them of the incident.
- The driver then referred to as the hearth division himself and alerted them of the incident and the gasoline leak.
- He instantly took the obligatory motion to cordon off the scene and to warn the public, motorists, and passer-by visitors to right away go away the space.
- He managed to cease three autos, however others drove by way of his barricade and wouldn’t heed his warnings.
- A safety car stopped and helped him to place up security tape behind the truck, whereas the driver ran to place up the security tape forward of the car.
- When he realised that the safety car had not displayed the tape far sufficient from the again of the truck, he ran and pulled it off and moved it a pair of hundred meters additional to maintain folks away from the scene.
- The driver stored shouting at folks to depart the scene and even tried to bodily transfer the gathering crowds out of the approach.
- Two ladies witnessed his makes an attempt and likewise tried to help him. One additionally offered statements accordingly.Approximately half-hour after the truck obtained caught, it ignited.
- The driver was finally overcome by gasoline inhalation and misplaced consciousness. An ambulance collected him and drove him away earlier than the truck exploded roughly half-hour later.
ALSO READ: Boksburg tanker explosion: Death toll rises to 26