Acid spillage in haulage trucks head-on collision

TWO haulage trucks caught fire and one of them spilled an unknown amount of sulphuric acid when they were involved in a head-on collision in Dinde area outside Hwange town on Monday night.

The acid tanker was driving towards Hwange while the other one which was going towards Bulawayo was carrying coal and both their hoses were reduced to shells.

Police confirmed the accident which left drivers of both trucks injured while the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) quickly moved in and cordoned off the area to prevent a possible health hazard as the acid can cause harm to humans, wildlife, vegetation as well as aquatic life.

The Officer Commanding Hwange district, Chief Superintendent Newton Mutomba, said investigations are in progress.

"It was a head-on collision after one of the trucks encroached onto the lane of the other and both vehicles caught fire," said Chief Supt Mutomba.

On approaching a curve at the 305km peg, one of the trucks encroached into the lane of the other resulting in the head-on collision.

Both trucks caught fire immediately and the drivers, Mr Abdiwahid who is Zambian and Mr Darlington Machadu, a Zimbabwean, were injured in the process, police said.

The drivers were rushed to Hwange Colliery Hospital where they were admitted.

One truck is Zambian registered while the other has a local registration.

Yesterday morning firefighters were still trying to put out the fire from the coal.

EMA officers were collecting acid which was still spilling from the tank. They dug a trench so it could not flow downstream and affect plant life and contaminate water bodies.

EMA Matabeleland North manager, Mrs Chipo Mpofu-Zuze, said precautions were being taken to make sure the acid does not damage the environment.

She said the scene had been cordoned off while all the contaminated soil will be removed.

"The first step will be unhooking the trailer and then digging trenches so that none of the acid will flow away. Then the rehabilitation process will start whereby we will dig up the affected area and take the soil which will be put somewhere where it will be de-toxicated and tested to make sure it's no longer acidic," Mrs Mpofu-Zuze said.

She said EMA officers will guard the scene until the rehabilitation process, which will involve bringing in fresh soil from elsewhere, is completed.

Mrs Mpofu-Zuze said said the acid may be dangerous to plant and animals including water life.

Last year, a Zambian registered haulage truck spilt 34 000 litres of sulphuric acid near the same spot after the driver lost control at a curve and the truck landed on its side resulting in the lid of the tank bursting and the contents spilling.

Some villagers reportedly used containers to collect the liquid thinking it was oil.

Sulphuric acid can cause severe burns and has adverse health effects.