The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) has raised concerns about members of the public attempting to collect diesel from the scene where a tanker carrying 30 000 litres of diesel crashed in Durban on February 23.

“Crash scenes involving fuel tankers are extremely volatile environments,” said Ipeleng Mabusela, CEO of RMI.

“Diesel and other petroleum products pose serious fire, explosion and health risks. A single spark, a cigarette, or even static electricity can trigger catastrophic consequences.”

The crash – at the intersection of the M7 and N2 on-ramp – resulted in a significant fuel spillage and required emergency responders to use hydraulic rescue equipment to free entrapped occupants.

Disturbingly, members of the public were seen attempting to collect diesel from the roadway while emergency services worked to contain the situation.

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“When members of the public breach safety cordons or attempt to remove spilt cargo, they not only compromise rescue operations but they increase the risk to themselves and first responders and may even potentially expose themselves to legal consequences,” said Mabusela.

He added it’s for this reason that emergency scenes are carefully managed to prevent any well-meaning curiosity from quickly escalating an already dangerous situation.

“Members of the public may not realise the hidden dangers. Fuel spillages are not just flammable – they are toxic and environmentally hazardous.

“Vapours can ignite unexpectedly, particularly in confined or congested areas.”

In addition:
• Damaged vehicles may be structurally unstable.
• Secondary collisions are common in high-traffic zones.
• Hydraulic rescue equipment and emergency operations require controlled environments.
• Hazardous materials may contaminate clothing and containers used to collect fuel.

“Approaching a crash scene can put bystanders directly in harm’s way and may also delay life-saving medical intervention and bystanders can also interfere with emergency personnel who need to secure the area to prevent further injury and environmental damage.

“South Africa continues to experience high levels of road crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles. Incidents involving tankers and hazardous loads require specialised containment and clean-up procedures that can take hours,” the CEO said.

The RMI urges motorists and pedestrians to:
• Keep a safe distance from any crash scene.
• Avoid smoking or using open flames near accident sites.
• Obey traffic officials and emergency instructions.
• Never attempt to collect fuel or cargo from a damaged vehicle.
“Your safety is not worth the risk. Leave the scene management to trained professionals,” he concluded.

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