Driver preempts danger as truck carrying explosives catches fire

13 November 2020 - 14:29 By TimesLIVE
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The truck driver was able to exit the vehicle and warn motorists in the vicinity before the explosion.
The truck driver was able to exit the vehicle and warn motorists in the vicinity before the explosion.
Image: ER24

A crater spanning several metres in the middle of the road is the fallout of a traffic accident in which a truck transporting explosives caught alight on Thursday night.

The driver and several motorists who were in the vicinity were lucky to escape injury, said ER24's Russel Meiring.

The explosion happened on the R50 between Delmas and Leandra, in Mpumalanga.

The crater caused by a blast after a truck transporting explosives caught fire.
The crater caused by a blast after a truck transporting explosives caught fire.
Image: ER24

Meiring said a truck carrying explosive materials caught alight and exploded.

Paramedics arrived at 10pm to find debris from the truck spread across the entire scene, he said.

"Medics assessed the motorists and truck driver on the scene and found that no one sustained any injuries, although some were visibly shaken.

"It is understood the driver noticed flames on the trailer while he was driving.

"The man was able to stop the truck, exit his vehicle and warn other motorists of the impending danger."

Debris from the explosion was all over the road.
Debris from the explosion was all over the road.
Image: ER24

Local authorities were on the scene for further investigations.

TimesLIVE


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