ISS PROVIDES UPDATE ON TANKER EXPLOSION

28 December 2022: Following the explosion of the liquified petroleum gas tanker in Boksburg on 24 December 2022, Innovative Staffing Solutions (ISS) has confirmed that the South African Police Services (SAPS) has released the driver of the truck, due to insufficient evidence that the driver was negligent or at fault.

ISS Managing Director Arnoux Maré reiterates that the driver has a professional driving qualification in working at heights, approximately seven years' experience transporting hazardous materials, and is highly knowledgeable with regards to the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials. He also holds a valid driver’s license valid until 13 January 2027, and Professional Driving Permit valid until 12 January 2024.

#ATT #AVOID Massive explosion involving a tanker, a car and several people at the intersection of Railway Road and Hospital Road. pic.twitter.com/VB2BbWnyBZ

— Cliff - That's All (@PigSpotter) December 24, 2022

Maré confirms that its internal investigation has thus far established the following facts:

- On 24 December 2022, the driver was on route from Richards Bay to Botswana.

- After overnighting for approximately 10 hours at an approved truck stop, the driver took the wrong exit to get onto the N17 highway. He immediately tried to correct himself to get back on route.

- The exit unfortunately directed him under the bridge.

- The bridge height restriction boards were illegible.

- As an experienced and responsible driver, he first stopped the vehicle to establish if the truck and trailer would fit under the bridge before he drove through carefully.

- Only when he was comfortable that the truck and trailer would make it under the bridge, he proceeded with caution.

- However, the driver did not realise that the incline at the bottom of the bridge would raise the back of the trailer.

- At approximately 06:15, the truck got stuck under the bridge, which caused the gas tanker to sustain damage which released liquified petroleum gas.

- When he heard a metal scraping sound, he immediately stopped the vehicle and jumped out. He first checked the front of the vehicle and could not detect any damage.

- When he inspected the back of the vehicle, he noticed that the tanker’s cap had been scraped off.

- He immediately called his ISS controller and informed them of the incident.

- The driver then called the fire department himself and alerted them of the incident and the gas leak.

- He immediately took the necessary action to cordon off the scene and to warn the public, motorists, and passer-by traffic to immediately leave the area.

- He managed to stop three vehicles, but others drove through his barricade and would not heed his warnings.

- A security vehicle stopped and helped him to put up safety tape behind the truck, while the driver ran to put up the safety tape ahead of the vehicle.

- When he realised that the security vehicle had not displayed the tape far enough from the back of the truck, he ran and pulled it off and moved it a couple of hundred meters further to keep people away from the scene.

- The driver kept shouting at people to leave the scene and even tried to physically move the gathering crowds out of the way.

- Two women witnessed his attempts and also tried to assist him. One also provided statements accordingly.

- Approximately 30 minutes after the truck got stuck, it ignited.

- The driver was eventually overcome by gas inhalation and lost consciousness. An ambulance collected him and drove him away before the truck exploded approximately 30 minutes later.

“We are deeply saddened by this horrific and tragic event that claimed the lives of people and left several people injured. While we understand how difficult this time is, we also understand that people require answers, hence the detailed timeline above. Following urgent investigations, Innovative Staffing Solutions can confirm that the driver was not negligent and did everything in his power to alert people to the dangers of the situation. He demonstrated the utmost level of care and professionalism, and we thank him for his conscientious actions which potentially saved the lives of countless other people. Our deepest condolences and prayers to the families who lost loved ones,” concludes Maré.

On 28 December 2022, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) stated that there was no case against the driver as provincial police said there was not enough evidence against the driver.

Innovative Staffing Solutions says that its investigation findings will be handed over to the authorities.

ISS client and the owners of the specific liquified petroleum gas tanker, Infinite Group, is a reputable SQAS accredited and reliable transport company with all systems, training, and procedures in place. For over a decade, Infinite has focused on providing specialised services across the cargo supply chain, as a fully licensed, accredited, and legally compliant South African company.

Statement issued by Innovative Staffing Solutions (ISS), 28 December 2022

Previous statement:

Innovative Staffing Solutions (ISS) has confirmed that a full investigation into the circumstances of the fuel tanker explosion in Boksburg is already underway, as one of its drivers had been driving the vehicle.

ISS’ internal investigation has already established that the driver is highly experienced, with a professional driving qualification in working at heights, and seven years of experience in transporting hazardous materials. The driver had also recently passed a medical test confirming his fitness to drive.

“We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, as well as to those who were injured,” ISS Managing Director Arnoux Maré states.

“Our hearts truly go out to all victims of the explosion, and we would like to offer our complete reassurance that we are performing an urgent internal and independent investigation to determine the true cause of the accident. The health and safety of our employees, clients and the public are our top priority, and we are taking this incident extremely seriously.”

Statement issued by Innovative Staffing Solutions (ISS), 24 December 2022