Boksburg tanker accident - A call to action for the long-distance transport industry says leading risk consultancy

The Christmas Eve Boksburg tanker tragedy has again opened the debate about safety management of transport for dangerous goods and making sure that all routes are well planned, frequently reviewed for potential risks and not deviated from without appropriate risk assessments.

On 24 December 2022, a fuel tanker exploded in Boksburg east of  Johannesburg killing fifteen people and injuring around thirty. The nearby OR Tambo Memorial Hospital was also damaged. The driver of the tanker survived the incident and has since been arrested to face multiple culpable homicide charges.

While the incident is still being investigated with many unanswered questions remaining, leading risk management consultancy Riskonet Africa says the disaster should be a wake-up call to local transport companies to make sure they not only have a clear idea at all times of what routes their drivers are taking but also to make sure there is careful pre-trip evaluation for any potential danger. And once that is determined there should be no deviation. In the case of the transport of dangerous materials, this approach is particularly important says the company.

Says Volker von Widdern Principal Strategic Risk at Riskonet Africa: “Transport and planning managers are able using modern GPS tracking technology to know at every juncture where their vehicles are. The question is, however, is it being used optimally. Transporters should be alert to changing road conditions arising from the severe weather, to assist their drivers when normal routes are blocked.

“Transport companies in the business of moving hazardous goods can also make use of historical data and select routes based on clear risk analysis using average accident and road condition values derived from statistical information, indicating routes which will not only be the safest, but which carry less volume, particularly during peak times.”

Aside from careful route planning, Von Widdern says driver education is vital and companies need to make sure that those behind the wheel not only have the right qualifications but are appraised and assessed annually on emergency procedures and making sure their vehicles meet safety standards before embarking on any journey.

The delivery of gas supplies is usually associated with tight deadlines which add pressure to the delivery schedule. This escalates risk because there is a higher likelihood of breach to standard operational procedures. These deviations should be investigated with immediate responses.

Von Widdern says the Boksburg tragedy should also spur traffic authorities and municipalities to relook at local road signage to make sure that dangers – anything from low bridges to merging lanes – are properly marked. And it goes without saying he says that transport companies should be evaluating their insurance liability regularly.

“Our hearts go out to the families of those who have lost loved ones, particularly at this time of the year. While we wait for the outcome of the official investigation, there are lessons to be learnt from this accident particularly when it comes to prevention based on sound risk management principles, “says Von Widdern.