The N3 near the Pavilion in Durban was closed on Friday after a chemical spill.
Garrith Jamieson of ALS Paramedics said traffic was backed up in both directions as the chemical, believed to be hydrochloric acid, was blocking visibility.
The acid, which is used to manufacture fertilisers and dyes, is corrosive and can be harmful if inhaled and cause irritation to the eyes and skin.
Jamieson said they treated five patients — two policemen, workers and motorists — for inhalation and took them to hospital for further care.
Traffic was diverted and fire services were on scene to deal with the spill.
Provincial Road Traffic Inspectorate spokesperson Sindi Msimang said they were still trying to identify the driver who abandoned the truck.
“There was no crash and we believe the driver may be among the people who are on the side of the road. It seems the containers carrying the chemicals weren't secured properly and were damaged during transit, hence the spill.”
Msimang said the truck was carrying a mixed load of chemicals including hydrochloric acid.
TimesLIVE
N3 near Pavilion, KZN, closed after chemical spill
Image: ALS Paramedics
The N3 near the Pavilion in Durban was closed on Friday after a chemical spill.
Garrith Jamieson of ALS Paramedics said traffic was backed up in both directions as the chemical, believed to be hydrochloric acid, was blocking visibility.
The acid, which is used to manufacture fertilisers and dyes, is corrosive and can be harmful if inhaled and cause irritation to the eyes and skin.
Jamieson said they treated five patients — two policemen, workers and motorists — for inhalation and took them to hospital for further care.
Traffic was diverted and fire services were on scene to deal with the spill.
Provincial Road Traffic Inspectorate spokesperson Sindi Msimang said they were still trying to identify the driver who abandoned the truck.
“There was no crash and we believe the driver may be among the people who are on the side of the road. It seems the containers carrying the chemicals weren't secured properly and were damaged during transit, hence the spill.”
Msimang said the truck was carrying a mixed load of chemicals including hydrochloric acid.
TimesLIVE
MORE:
SA's largest oil refinery sold for R1: will BP and Shell be held accountable for environmental damage?
Gold mine pollution is poisoning Soweto’s water and soil — study finds food gardens are at risk
'Say goodbye to Cape Town tourists if you don't stop marine pollution,' says ActionSA
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
News and promos in your inbox
subscribeMost read
Latest Videos