Durban – Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has reported an unfortunate incident where a mobile harbour crane caught fire at the Durban Multi-Purpose Terminal in the Point area.
The incident happened in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Videos of the crane on fire started doing rounds on social media as early as 03h00.
In one of the videos, the crane lets a freight container come hurtling down after succumbing to the fire.
Moments later fireman can be seen fighting to put out the fire.
No injuries were sustained and the crane operator was safely evacuated from the machine.
The vessel on berth was also safely moved to outer anchorage, TPT said in a statement.
“Terminal management has addressed the employees on shift and counselling services will be offered through the company’s employment assistance programme.
“Operations have stopped to allow for clearing of worksite.
“An incident investigation will be set up shortly to identify the root cause of the occurrence – which is unknown at this stage; and determine the extent of the damage and the overall impact of the incident”
The terminal has activated a business continuity plan to minimise the impact on operations.
Engagements with customers are ongoing,” concludes the statement.
Meanwhile, truck drivers have reported that TPT had started serving them as early 06h00.
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