The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality wishes to advise that the R333 (the road running to the back of Despatch above the Swartkops River) will be closed to the public for some time. This follows a traffic accident earlier today when a large truck carrying fuel left the road and overturned, not far from the entrance to the Cuyler Manor Museum. The truck was carrying 20 000 litres of fuel in one trailer and 10 000 litres of diesel fuel in another. The driver sustained injuries to his back and legs and is currently receiving treatment.
The Fire Department of the Safety & Security Directorate took immediate action to secure the safety of motorists, by blocking off the road to traffic. Secondly, the escaping fuel was kept covered in a layer of foam to prevent vapourisation and minimise the risk of an explosion. Another major concern was environmental safety and the pollution of the nearby Swartkops River. To prevent the fuel from entering the river, a retaining dam was built, which successfully kept the river intact.
By this afternoon, all fuel had been removed from the trailers, which were now filled with foam. The truck will be lifted onto a flatbed truck and removed from the scene. The Municipality is encouraged by the quick and effective way in which this potentially dangerous incident was handled, in the interest of the safety of motorists and the environment.
However, motorists must please note that the R333 will remain closed for a period of time, as the tarred surface of the road will have to be repaired.
NMB Communications
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