A truck transporting waste cardboard paper was reduced to ashes on Tuesday morning after a careless cigarette stub allegedly ignited a fire that destroyed both the load and the vehicle.
The incident happened around 06h30 on the N10, roughly 10 kilometres from Kommadagga towards Paterson in the Eastern Cape.
The driver pulled off the road upon noticing fire on his cargo.
According to a witness who stopped to assist, the truck driver pointed out that he had flicked a cigarette butt out the window while driving, unaware that it landed on the flammable load of cardboard paper on the trailer.
The fire reportedly started at the rear and quickly spread.
“I tried to help him, but by the flames were already fierce. He tried using his fire extinguisher but it was useless against the size of the fire,” said the witness.
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Despite efforts to contain the blaze, the entire truck and its cargo were consumed by the fire. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
This incident has raised concerns about the dangers of smoking while driving, especially when transporting flammable goods.
A moment of distraction or negligence, like flicking a lit cigarette stub out of a window, can have devastating consequences.
Truckers are urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid smoking while behind the wheel, particularly when carrying combustible materials. What may seem like a harmless habit could cost you your rig, your load – or worse, your life.
Authorities responded to the scene and are investigating the full circumstances, but early signs point to the cigarette stub as the source of ignition.
Let this be a stark warning to all truckers: safety begins with you. Don’t let a quick smoke break turn into a full-blown disaster.
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