A truck overturned near Cross Dete along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road on Monday, spilling 34 000 litres of deadly sulphuric acid.
Police officer commanding Hwange district, Chief Superintendent Newton Mutomba confirmed the accident and said efforts were underway to detoxify the area.He said the accident occurred on Monday afternoon at Gulalembila, about 35km from Cross Dete. The truck was heading towards Zambia.
“The accident happened on Monday when a Zambian truck driver lost control and veered off the road,” Mutomba said. “The tank’s lid burst and contents poured out, contaminating the area.
“The Environmental Management Agency and Civil Protection Unit are on the ground monitoring the situation and doing awareness campaigns to ensure that people are safe.”
There were no serious injuries, police said. The truck is still on the side of the road, where it is lying on its side.
Witnesses claimed the driver was speeding, as he was racing with other trucks.
Lasts year, three haulage trucks piled up in Insuza along the same road, resulting in three people being burnt beyond recognition.One of the trucks was carrying gas, which spilled on the road, posing a danger to villagers.