A timeline of the driver’s trip that day during the Boksburg tanker explosion

Due to a lack of proof, the driver of the truck implicated in the explosion that happened on 24 December in Boksburg has been released from prison.

Innovative Staffing Solutions (ISS) initiated an immediate investigation into the driver’s conduct on the day of the explosion.

According to ISS Managing Director Arnoux Maré, the driver possesses a professional license for driving at heights. Additionally, he has almost seven years of expertise transporting hazardous items.

The validity of his driver’s license runs till January 13, 2027. The validity of the driver’s Professional Driving Permit expires on January 12, 2024.

ISS ruled, following an expedited inquiry, that the driver was not negligent.

They discovered that he tried all possible to alert individuals of the situation’s hazards.

ISS stated that he acted with the highest degree of care and professionalism, and they complimented him for his conscientious acts.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced on December 28 that there was no case against the driver.

DETAILED REPORT OF THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THAT DAY ISS stated that it is profoundly pained by this awful and tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of several persons.

They acknowledged that people demand answers and gave the following thorough timetable.

The driver was in route from Richards Bay to Botswana on 24 December 2022.

After spending nearly 10 hours overnight at an authorized truck stop, the driver took the incorrect exit to access the N17 motorway. He instantly attempted to fix himself and return to his original path.

Unfortunately, the exit led him beneath the bridge.

The height restriction signs on the bridge were illegible.

As a seasoned and conscientious driver, he first halted the vehicle to determine whether the truck and trailer would fit under the bridge before proceeding with caution.

He drove cautiously until he was confident that the truck and trailer would fit beneath the bridge.

However, the driver was unaware that the bridge’s inclination would cause the rear of the trailer to rise.

At approximately 06:15, the vehicle became stuck beneath the bridge, resulting in damage to the gas tanker and the leakage of liquefied petroleum gas.

Upon hearing the sound of metal scratching, he instantly stopped the vehicle and exited. Initial inspection of the vehicle’s front revealed no visible damage.

When he inspected the vehicle’s rear, he discovered that the tanker’s cap had been removed.

He contacted his ISS controller immediately and notified them of the event.

The driver then called the fire department to notify them of the gas leak and the event.

He took rapid measures to cordon off the situation and warn the public, motorists, and passing traffic to vacate the area immediately.
He was able to stop three automobiles, while others ignored his warnings and drove through his blockade.

A security vehicle stopped and assisted him in placing caution tape behind the truck, while the driver went to place caution tape in front of the vehicle.

When he realized that the security vehicle’s tape was not shown far enough from the back of the truck, he ran and repositioned it a few hundred meters farther to keep people away from the incident.

The driver repeatedly yelled at onlookers to flee the area and even attempted to physically move the crowds out of the path.

Two women who watched his efforts also attempted to aid him. One also provided equivalent statements. Approximately 30 minutes after the truck became immobilized, it caught fire.

The motorist eventually lost consciousness due to inhaling of gas. Approximately thirty minutes before the truck exploded, an ambulance transported him away.

The death toll from the Boksburg tanker explosion has risen to 26.