Truck driver dies in 5,000l petrol tank

A MAN died yesterday after spending two hours inside a 5,000-litre petrol tank.

Boyde Ndlovu, 26, a petrol tanker driver, is believed to have jumped into the tank to scoop up the remaining fuel after making his daily deliveries.

Neighbours in Emganwini suburb, Bulawayo, said it was his routine to stop by his home after delivery and drain the remaining petrol for sale.

He arrived home shortly after 11PM on Wednesday, got inside the tank through an opening at the top, taking with him a 20-litre container, and a smaller one.

His family believes Ndlovu took too long inside the tank, got intoxicated and choked to death. His body was found at around 1AM.

His uncle, Luke Sibanda, said: "It was his routine to clean his tank before he leaves for his trip. We believe he lost track of time and inhaled the substance until he was intoxicated and failed to climb out the container or shout for help.

"Realising he had been in the tank for too long, a family member went to check on him but he was already dead. Police were called."

When the police and fire brigade arrived, they cut open the tank to retrieve his body which was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals for a postmortem.

Sibanda would not comment further, advising our news crew to wait for Ndlovu's father who was returning from Botswana.

Ndlovu's mother was too emotional to speak.