Tanker carrying nitric acid overturns in Cape Winelands, no injuries reported

The Cape Winelands District Municipality's Fire Services responded to an incident involving a tanker carrying nitric acid that overturned on Rooshoek Road outside Wellington on Wednesday night. 

Municipality spokesperson, Jo-Anne Otto, said no injuries were reported. 

“A tanker truck left the gravel road and overturned late (Wednesday) night.

"Fortunately, the tanker has remained intact, and all diesel has been contained. No injuries were reported,” she said.

“The tanker truck carrying nitric acid overturned late at night (Wednesday). The rain caused the gravel road to become very slippery. There was no leakage of nitric acid as the tanker itself sustained no damages. 

"However, a small amount of diesel leaked from the truck itself, this was contained and mopped up.

“There are a few other roads affected by the heavy rains. The Cape Winelands District Municipality urges motorists to avoid gravel roads if possible and to exercise extreme caution when driving. Please follow the instructions of traffic officials who may be forced to close roads at short notice.”

Nitric acid is commonly used in various industrial and laboratory applications, including the production of fertilisers, explosives, and cleaning agents. 

Otto said the rain hampered recovery efforts and roads remained closed for a few hours.

Learners attending the Groenberg Primary School still had access to the grounds.

By 9:30am on Thursday, Rooshoek Road has been re-opened with traffic officials are on site and a stop and go in place.

Meanwhile Anton Bredell, Western Cape MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said the cold and wet weather is set to continue on Thursday, and the public must stay alert and keep safe during the winter weather. 

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Cape Argus