According to Innovative Staffing Solutions (ISS), the driver of the lethal gas tanker was not irresponsible and did everything in his power to warn individuals of the hazards of the scenario.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed on Wednesday that the 32-year-old driver had been released because there was insufficient evidence against him and that police were still investigating.
“He displayed the finest level of care and professionalism, and we appreciate him for his conscientious acts, which potentially saved the lives of numerous other individuals.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the families who have lost loved ones. We are profoundly saddened by this awful and tragic tragedy, which took the lives of numerous people and injured several more.
“We recognize how tough this time is, but we equally recognize that people need answers,” said ISS Managing Director Arnoux Maré.
Following the explosion of the liquified petroleum gas tanker in Boksburg on December 24, ISS concluded in a detailed sequence of events that there is insufficient proof that the driver was irresponsible or at fault.
It was underlined that the driver has a professional driving certificate in working at heights, roughly seven years of experience transporting hazardous items, and is well educated of the risks involved with hazardous material delivery.
“He also has a valid driver’s license that is valid until January 13, 2027, and a Professional Driving Permit that is valid until January 12, 2024.”
Maré confirmed that the following facts were discovered during its internal investigation:
“On December 24, 2022, the driver was traveling from Richards Bay to Botswana. The driver took the wrong exit to go onto the N17 motorway after overnighting for around 10 hours at an allowed truck stop. He quickly attempted to fix himself in order to get back on track. Unfortunately, the escape led him under the bridge. The height limit boards on the bridge were illegible. As an experienced and competent driver, he first came to a complete stop to determine whether the truck and trailer would fit under the bridge before proceeding cautiously. He continued with caution only after he was confident that the truck and trailer would make it beneath the bridge.
“However, the driver was unaware that the inclination at the bridge’s base would raise the back of the trailer.”
At around 6:15 a.m., the truck became stuck under the bridge, causing damage to the gas tanker and the release of liquified petroleum gas. According to the investigation, when he heard a metal scraping sound, he instantly stopped the truck and jumped out.
“He examined the front of the vehicle first and saw no damage. When he examined the vehicle’s back, he discovered that the tanker’s cap had been scraped off. He quickly called his ISS controller to report the occurrence. The driver then called the fire department to report the collision and the gas leak. He promptly took the appropriate steps to secure the scene and alert the public, cars, and passing traffic to evacuate the area. He was able to stop three automobiles, while others drove right through his blockade and ignored his warnings.”
According to ISS, a security car stopped and assisted the driver in putting up safety tape behind the truck, while he rushed ahead of the vehicle to put up safety tape.
“When he saw that the security van had not shown the tape far enough from the back of the truck, he ran and ripped it off and moved it a couple of hundred meters further to keep people away from the area.
“The driver continued to yell at people to leave the scene and even attempted to physically move the throng out of the path.”
According to ISS, two women noticed the driver’s efforts and attempted to help him.
“One also provided statements in this regard.”
It was determined that the vehicle ignited 30 minutes after becoming trapped, and the driver was eventually overtaken by gas inhalation and lost consciousness. He was brought to the hospital before the fatal explosion, which killed 27 people.
“Following quick investigations, Innovative Staffing Solutions can certify that the driver was not irresponsible and did everything in his ability to alert passengers to the dangers of the scenario. He acted with the utmost care and professionalism, and we thank him for his conscientious acts, which may have saved the lives of countless others. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the families who have lost loved ones,” Maré said.
»ISS verifies driver exercised ‘utmost caution’ prior to catastrophic explosion«