Acid spill poses threat in Jacobs
A POTENTIALLY lethal spill of hydrochloric acid by a tanker in Jacobs on Wednesday, 14 August caused traffic delays and fears for safety.
The cause of the spill by the tanker truck from a local chemical company is not known, but it is estimated that between 50 and 100 litres of the acid was spilt at the corner of Quality Street and Balfour Road. It flowed along the road and entered storm water drains in the vicinity.
The on-ramp to the M4 was closed as emergency personnel secure the scene. “The hydrochloric acid posed a danger to the health and well-being of passing motorists and included the possibility of death,” said South Durban Environmental Alliance manager, Desmond D’Sa.
“Local breakdown truck drivers indicated this was the third incident of trucks spilling their chemicals after emerging from this company.”
The spill was cleared by a hazmat crew wearing specialised gear and the road was eventually re-opened.
