Uncleaned hazmat accident site in Kranspoort Pass poses ongoing danger
Safety expert warns hazardous material residues from cross-border trucks pose an ongoing risk along the N11.
Weeks after a hazardous material accident in Kranspoort Pass, the scene has not been properly cleaned up. Heavy vehicles transporting hazardous substances use the N11, and incidents occur with concerning frequency.
Rudolph Uys of Fire Disaster and Training Consultants said the Kranspoort area is particularly concerning because an incident involving hazardous materials can have consequences for:
• human life and public safety
• fire and emergency responders
• road users
• adjacent properties and communities
• agricultural land
• soil and groundwater
• watercourses in the Loskop Dam area
• wildlife and livestock
• municipal and provincial infrastructure
“A hazardous material incident cannot be regarded solely as a traffic accident, depending on the substance involved,” said Uys.
Uncleaned crash site poses ongoing risk
A hazardous material road accident occurred in the Kranspoort area on August 29.
Weeks after the crash, the affected area had not been satisfactorily cleaned, decontaminated or rehabilitated.
Uys conducted a photographic inspection on September 10 to document the area’s condition.
He said the continued presence of hazardous material residues, contaminated materials, damaged containers, contaminated soil or other remnants of the incident may present an ongoing risk.
“A significant concern requiring investigation is the transportation of hazardous substances by vehicles travelling through South Africa as part of cross-border supply chains,” said Uys. “It has been observed that several incidents involve heavy vehicles transporting hazardous substances to or from neighbouring countries and other African destinations.”
Calls for action on dangerous route
Enquiries were sent to Sanral, which is responsible for the route, but no response was received.
Residents of the area have been waging a long-standing battle after hundreds of accidents in the Kranspoort Pass have resulted in the loss of life and severe pollution.
Despite various measures implemented to make the road safer, accidents continue to occur regularly in the pass, particularly involving heavy trucks transporting hazardous substances.
