MBOMBELA – A truck engulfed in clouds of smoke grabbed the attention of motorists travelling on the R40 on Wednesday morning.
It was positioned close to the entrance of the Tshwane University of Technology campus. Firefighters were on the scene, dousing the smoldering fire with masses of water coming from the brigade’s largest fire truck, the tanker.
“We believe that the fire was caused by a brake problem,” said firefighter Mr Jimmy Shabalala. “We could ascertain that the left-hand side of the truck’s container was most affected – its tyre was burned off,” he said.
The container was scorched on its left side. Boxes with clothing were removed in an attempt to limit the damage incurred to the merchandise that, according to Shabalala, belonged to PEP Stores.
According to PEP Stores communication coordinator, Ms Suzanne Coetzee, the truck had travelled from Durban to Mbombela. She said the goods were to be delivered to PEP, Ackermans, Dunns, Shoe City and Refinery, all businesses belonging to the Pepkor Group.
“The truck’s tractor part was removed from the container,” she said when asked whether anything was done to limit the damage caused by the fire.
“Only a portion of the merchandise was burned, but the rest was damaged by the water and smoke.”
Coetzee was unable to confirm the value of the damaged goods. According to City Line Haul’s transport director, Mr Anthony Naicker, the company had not received a report from the fire department stating what had caused the blaze.
“It is premature for us to comment on until we have inspected the vehicle. However, a full report will be done by our risk department and insurer,” Naicker said.
