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No injuries were reported or any major product loss incurred after a Coca-Cola truck and trailer burst into flames while out on delivery in Strand on Tuesday (18 April).
The blaze called into action local firefighters who swiftly responded to the scene in Broadway Boulevard near the Broadlands Road intersection between the Gustrouw and Sercor Park residential areas around noon. The section of the arterial route was cordoned off at the intersection by traffic officers, who diverted motorists via Broadlands Road. While firefighters focused their efforts on dousing the raging flames, which had engulfed the rear-end of the trailer, scores of curious onlookers gathered, some even hoping to get their hands on a free refreshment.
According to Priscilla Urquhart, Head of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability for Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (CCPB), the truck which is usually based at the CCPB depot in Athlone, was on a regular customer delivery route in the area. She said it is understood the driver and three truck helpers, who were passengers in the cab, heard a loud bang emanate from the rear of the truck while out on their delivery route in Strand. The driver pulled the truck over to investigate and discovered a small fire under the trailer. Aided by the helpers, the driver tried to douse the flames with sand, however, the fire became bigger and began spreading through the rear-end of the trailer.
“The driver and truck helpers stepped away from the vehicle for safety reasons and the local fire department was contacted and arrived within minutes,” said Urquhart.
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed that an emergency call of the vehicle alight near the corners of Broadlands Road and Broadway Boulevard was received just before 12:00 on Tuesday. Firefighting crews of Strand and Somerset West fire stations were dispatched to the scene in two fire engines, a water tanker and a rescue vehicle.
“The fire was extinguished by 13:25 and no injuries were reported. The scene was handed over to the South African Police Service,” he said.
A Strand police spokesperson confirmed the incident, which is believed to have been the result of a tyre burst that sent sparks flying, igniting the fire under the trailer.
Urquhart commended firefighters for their swift response, which allowed for the fire to be contained and doused with some damage to the rear-end of the trailer and the outer packaging of the products.
She added that CCPB insurance assessors are investigating the cause of the fire and no foul play is suspected.
“What’s important is that our employees remained unscathed and no harm was inflicted on other vehicles or persons,” Urquhart said. “CCPB maintains the highest levels of safety on the road and in the trade. Our distribution teams are trained regularly on road care, which includes fire safety and life-saving rules.”
