Trucker Dies from Mboala Fumes in First Winter Fatality

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The 2025 winter season has sadly claimed its first life, and it’s one that could’ve been avoided. SA Trucker can confirm that a young man died tragically in his truck on Saturday, after allegedly inhaling toxic fumes from an mboala — a makeshift heating drum used to fight off the cold.

Passersby in the quiet suburb of Kuilsville raised the alarm after spotting the man sitting eerily still behind the wheel of a 1-ton Toyota parked at a residence on 11 Oak Street.

When residents approached the vehicle, they realised something was wrong and immediately contacted authorities. He was declared dead on the scene.

An mboala was found on the passenger seat, still bearing signs of recent use. These small, homemade braziers, typically made from paint tins or old oil drums with holes for ventilation, are commonly used by drivers and backyard mechanics as a cheap way to keep warm.

But they’re also silent killers, especially when used inside closed vehicles or confined spaces.

Read | Zambian trucker burned to death as truck catches fire while he is sleeping

While the police investigation is still ongoing to confirm the exact cause of death, early indications point to smoke or carbon monoxide inhalation.

This marks the first mboala-related death reported by SA Trucker this winter, and we pray it will be the last.

⚠️ Truckers, listen up — if you’re using an mboala this winter, please do it safely. Here’s how to reduce the risk:

✅ If you can, rather avoid using it altogether

• Use proper vehicle heaters if your truck is equipped with one.
• Invest in thermal blankets or sleeping bags rated for sub-zero temperatures.
• Park overnight at truck stops with access to proper warming facilities.

🛑 If you must use an mboala:

1. Never use it in a closed truck cab.
   Keep at least one window partially open to allow fresh air to circulate. Carbon monoxide is odourless and deadly — it can kill you in your sleep without any warning.
2. Keep the mboala outside the truck.
   If possible, place it on the ground just outside your door and let the heat drift in. Never sleep with it inside the cab.
3. Never place it near flammable materials.
   That includes mattress foam, blankets, seats, and even your clothes. A small spark can lead to a full-blown fire in seconds.
4. Let the coals die out before you sleep.
   Never go to bed with an active mboala burning inside. It can continue to emit deadly fumes long after the flames go out.
5. Elevate the mboala and place it on a stable, non-flammable surface.
   This reduces the risk of tipping over and starting a fire.
6. Watch for signs of poisoning.
   Symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. If you feel any of these while using an mboala, get fresh air immediately.
7. Warn new drivers and younger truckers.
   Many rookies don’t understand the risk. Share this info and look out for each other.

We send heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. May his soul rest in peace. And to every driver out there battling the cold, please be smart about staying warm.

Stay warm, but stay alive.