On Monday evening, a truck driver transporting around 40 000 litres of 93 octane petrol lost control of the tanker.
The tanker exploded on the N1 near Botha Avenue in Centurion, Tshwane, during the incident.
According to Charles Mabaso, a spokesperson for Tshwane emergency services, firemen spotted smoke and flames from several kilometres away and heard many explosions as they approached the scene.
“Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters found a tanker that was lying on its side and engulfed by fire.
“They, together with law enforcement agencies and other emergency medical services immediately closed off the N1 direction south and north between Botha Avenue and the R21/N1 Flying Saucer interchange.”
The body, thought to be that of the driver, was discovered burnt beyond recognition in the tanker’s cab.
According to Mabaso, the city’s environmental management practitioner and spill cleaning company have also been activated.
“Water drainage systems were closed to contain the runoff before the fire was doused of with firefighting foam from two hose lines and a master stream from an industrial firefighting truck.
“Tshwane dispatched two fire engines, two water tankers, a ladder truck a mobile command unit and multiple support vehicles to manage the scene and fight the fire.”
The scene was handed over to the police for further investigations.
Petrol tanker on fire N1 between R21 and Botha Ave.
UPDATE Tanker is STILL on fire. EMS have one fatality on scene. pic.twitter.com/PTRzJGcxeJ
— Vehicle Trackers (@VehicleTrackerz) June 5, 2023
JUST IN: A petrol tanker is on fire on the N1 Flying Saucer Interchange and Botha Avenue between Pretoria and Centurion. Both directions are closed for traffic. Botha Ave and the R21 also affected. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/ICF3o8t8XG
— BEAST OF NEWS (@BEAST_OF_NEWS) June 5, 2023
#ATT #AVOID The N1 North and South between Botha Avenue and Flying Saucer interchange is being closed off due to a petrol tanker being engulfed in flames. pic.twitter.com/XfzuYVVtWl
— Cliff – That’s All (@PigSpotter) June 5, 2023
