Recovery teams are continuing efforts to remove an overturned tanker carrying aviation fuel from the Koeberg Interchange, with several major roads expected to remain closed for a few more hours.
The tanker overturned on the FW de Klerk Boulevard outbound slipway on Monday night, prompting an extensive emergency response due to the hazardous nature of its cargo.
A specialist tanker arrived on Tuesday to transfer the aviation fuel before recovery crews can remove the damaged vehicle.
Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said the operation is being carried out under strict safety protocols.
“The Fire and Rescue Service is facilitating the decanting of aviation fuel from the overturned tanker. Once the fuel has been decanted, the truck will be recovered,” he said.
Carelse added that the surrounding road closures remain necessary because aviation fuel is highly flammable.
“As aviation fuel is highly flammable, special incident management protocols apply, hence the road closures in the surrounding areas,” he said.
Earlier, Traffic Services spokesperson Kevin Jacobs said a specialist recovery and cleansing team had been deployed to assist with the operation.
“Once the transfer has been completed, the clean-up and vehicle recovery process will commence,” Jacobs said.
Motorists have been urged to avoid the Koeberg Interchange and surrounding routes, including sections of FW de Klerk Boulevard, Marine Drive, the N1 and the N7, as significant traffic delays are expected until the recovery operation is completed.
Photo: Facebook/ WC Live Traffic & Safety Report
