KEY POINTS
- A Transnet pipeline in Alberton was sabotaged, leading to a major fuel spill that prompted mass evacuations.
- Authorities warned of severe fire hazards due to the highly flammable 95-octane petrol leaking into the soil.
- Law enforcement is probing the fuel theft incident, with cleanup and containment efforts currently in progress.
Residents of the Thinasonke area in Alberton were forced to evacuate on Wednesday after a major fuel spillage from a Transnet pipeline that was illegally tampered with.
The Ekurhuleni Emergency Management Services (EMS) swiftly responded to the situation, moving people to safety and initiating containment measures.
According to EMS spokesperson William Ntladi, the pipeline had been damaged during an attempted fuel theft on Tuesday night, leading to a significant loss of petrol. The spillage caused concerns over potential fire hazards, prompting authorities to take immediate action.
Emergency Response and Safety Concerns
Ntladi confirmed that a large volume of 95-octane petrol had seeped into the soil, increasing the risk of ignition. “The pressure was detected to lower down overnight, which indicated a leak. Our teams from the City of Ekurhuleni and Transnet are on-site implementing rehabilitation and mitigation strategies,” he stated.
Authorities have urged residents to comply with evacuation orders as safety remains the top priority. “We are pushing them to a one-kilometre radius due to the high flammability of the fuel. The risk is severe, and we need full cooperation to prevent any disaster,” Ntladi warned.
The tampering of fuel pipelines has become an increasing issue in South Africa, with syndicates often targeting Transnet infrastructure to steal large quantities of fuel. Such activities not only lead to financial losses but also pose significant environmental and safety risks.
The authorities are currently investigating the perpetrators behind the latest pipeline sabotage. Meanwhile, cleanup and recovery efforts are underway to ensure that the contamination does not cause further damage to the environment.
In response to the incident, officials have urged the public to report any suspicious activities near fuel infrastructure. “Pipeline vandalism is a serious crime that endangers lives. We are working with law enforcement to track down those responsible and ensure justice is served,” Ntladi added.
Residents are advised to stay away from the affected area until it is declared safe. Transnet has assured that they are taking necessary measures to prevent future incidents and reinforce security along their pipelines.
