AT least 100 litres of diesel was spilled on Longwoods Drive on Wednesday afternoon. The pungent smell of diesel filled the air and several cars struggled as they drove up the steep road due to the slippery conditions. The driver of the vehicle who caused the spill was nowhere to be found.

According to Brad Hatfield, station commander at the Durban North Fire Station, the situation could have been much worse without timeous intervention.

“I’ve requested a truckload of sand and Metro Police to help cordon off the area where the spill is particularly bad, between Allamanda Road and near the bottom half of Longwoods Drive. One of the residents helped out by lending us a wheelbarrow and sand to help cover the spill. I’ve estimated that 100 litres of diesel was spilled,” he said.

A team of three firefighters covered the road with sand to help drivers gain grip on the road.

Marshall Security’s Tyron Powell said his company was alerted to the spill after a resident warned them about the matter.

“With a little rain, this stretch could have become treacherous. I urge residents in the area to approach with caution and to lower their speed going up and down Longwoods Drive,” he said.