Fuel tanker carrying 40 000 litres of petrol crashes near Mahatshula Bridge in Bulawayo

Bongani Ndlovu, Deputy Echo Editor

A POTENTIALLY dangerous situation unfolded in Bulawayo this afternoon after a fuel tanker carrying 40 000 litres of petrol veered off the road near Mahatshula Bridge and landed on the side of the road.

Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, confirmed the incident and said emergency services were swiftly deployed to contain the situation and prevent a possible disaster.

“I’m on the ground. It’s a tanker that veered off the road near Mahatshula Bridge and landed on the side of the road,” said Mr Moyo.

He said the tanker was heavily loaded with fuel, raising serious safety concerns.

“It is loaded with 40 000 litres of petrol. We are trying to contain the situation,” said Mr Moyo.

Providing an update on the driver’s condition, Mr Moyo said the driver was in shock and sustained minor scratches.

“The driver is in shock with minor scratches. We managed to extricate him. It was horrible and we have closed part of the lane,” said Mr Moyo.

He said the injured driver was conveyed to United Bulawayo Hospitals by a Brigade Ambulance for medical attention.

Firefighters and other emergency personnel cordoned off the area and closed part of the lane as a precaution, amid fears of a possible fuel leak or explosion. Motorists and residents were urged to keep away from the scene to allow rescue teams to work without hindrance.