There were two big vehicle infernos on busy South African roads that could have caused much harm.
Motorists travelling along the N2, southbound lane near the Tongaat Toll Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal, witnessed a truck on fire at around 6.30am on 11 September.
According to an Arrive Alive statement, the driver was travelling to Richards Bay when he experienced mechanical problems. He was waiting near the Toll Plaza for assistance.
“While turning the truck at the Tongaat Toll Plaza to the southbound lane, it erupted in flames. The fire was extinguished by the Ethekwini Fire Department,” stated Arrive Alive.
In another incident in Alberton, Johannesburg, on 10 September, a double-decker bus was on fire. The blazing bus could be seen at South Rand Road and the R59 Intersection in Tulisa Park.
The driver managed to escape unscathed, according to reports.
Safety measures if you are in a vehicle inferno
If you are driving your own vehicle and it catches on fire, here’s what you need to do to escape to safety:
· Remain as calm as possible. Don’t panic. Panicking may result in costly mistakes that could have tragic consequences. It would also cause you to waste time exiting the vehicle.
· If the vehicle is moving, signal and move to the roadside.
· Stopping on the side of the road is suggested because the slightest forward motion will likely stoke the fire.
· Pulling to the roadside will enable everyone to alight the vehicle safely.
· Turn off the ignition immediately after stopping. This shuts off the electric current and the flow of petrol.
· Put the vehicle in park or activate the emergency brake. You don’t want your vehicle moving after you leave it.
· Ensure passengers get out of the vehicle. Don’t waste time trying to gather your belongings; you can only endanger your life.
· Move at least 100 feet away from the burning vehicle. Keep your passenger close by and together. Be careful of other road traffic that may be unsafe to you and your passengers.
· Notify emergency services, keep onlookers at bay, and don’t go back to the burning vehicle.
· Warn oncoming traffic of the vehicle fire.
Have you ever been in a burning vehicle?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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