Ekurhuleni Emergency Services evacuates some residents in Alberton following fuel spill
On Tuesday night, emergency teams responded to the incident, after suspected criminals allegedly tampered with an underground fuel line.
FILE: A view of the City of Ekurhuleni's civic centre entrance. Picture: Thabiso Goba/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Ekurhuleni Emergency Services is evacuating residents of the Thina Sonke RDP housing project, east of Alberton, following a life-threatening fuel spill in the area.
On Tuesday night, emergency teams responded to the incident, after suspected criminals allegedly tampered with an underground fuel line.
The damaged pipeline, stretching several kilometres, contained 95-octane petrol.
According to Ekurhuleni Emergency Services, preliminary findings have revealed a large quantity of fuel was stolen from the pipeline in question, while the rest of its contents seeped into the soil.
Spokesperson William Ntladi said a multidisciplinary team, including South African Police Service (SAPS), is evacuating residents and investigating the cause of the incident.
“So I would like to notify the residents in and around the area that we are asking for their compliance and co-operation in this regard.”
Ntladi has further warned the public about the dangers of large fuel spills, saying they can trigger explosions and environmental damage, while also posing a great health risk.