Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza
A POTENTIAL disaster was narrowly averted on Saturday when a fuel tanker carrying 37 000 litres of petrol and diesel was involved in an accident just after the Umguza River along the Bulawayo-Harare Road.
The tanker, which contained 19 500 litres of petrol and 17 500 litres of diesel, collided with a Nissan Note. The smaller vehicle spun around, striking part of the fuel carrier. A major disaster could have occurred, potentially leading to countless lives being lost and a severe veld fire.
Following the collision, the diesel compartment of the fuel tanker began to leak, resulting in the loss of thousands of litres of the flammable liquid. The Bulawayo Fire Brigade responded quickly, dispatching three fire engines and an ambulance to the scene. Their swift action helped to prevent a major catastrophe, including the potential loss of life and an environmental disaster.
No fatalities were recorded.
Both sides of the busy highway were closed while firefighters worked, and traffic was diverted to alternative routes.
“Countless lives could have been lost, and veld fires could have engulfed both sides of the highway if a fire had ignited when the fuel tanker lost thousands of litres of diesel,” said Chief Fire Officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo at the scene. “The Fire Brigade dispatched several fire engines after a call was made that a fuel tanker had been involved in an accident.”
When Zimpapers arrived at the accident scene, witnesses reported that a woman believed to be the driver of the Nissan vehicle had been taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals. A significant presence of police and firefighters was on scene, with officials working to clear curious onlookers.
“We are now carrying out what is known as a decontamination process that involves containing the diesel spillage by covering the affected area with a special material to ensure the surface is not slippery,” explained Mr Moyo. “Slippery roads are a concern for motorists, so we will complete the decontamination process and work hand-in-hand with EMA (Environmental Management Agency) to make sure the area is safe for motorists and the public.”
The chief fire officer revealed that an estimated 5 000 litres of fuel were lost.
“The estimated quantity of fuel lost is about 5 000 litres, and the estimated fuel saved is about 32 000 litres. The Fire Brigade used a sealing kit to prevent further leaking after arriving at the scene,” Mr Moyo added.
The scene was declared safe approximately two hours after the accident, and the damaged fuel tanker was secured a few metres away from where the incident occurred.
The driver of the fuel tanker, who requested anonymity, said that the Nissan vehicle’s driver applied emergency brakes as she approached the Umguza River.
“Two cars overtook the Nissan vehicle as we were approaching the bridge, and one of the drivers in front tried to avoid a head-on collision. She applied emergency brakes, and I did the same, but unfortunately, the weight of the load that my truck was carrying was too much,” the driver explained.
A long-distance bus travelling in the same lane was also forced to make an emergency stop, but no one was injured, according to the fuel tanker driver.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the accident.
derick.khumalo