In a tragic incident that has left the trucking community in shock, a Zambian truck driver lost his life after his truck’s cabin exploded while parked outside the Pride Milling Company in Johannesburg.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, claiming the life of 35-year-old Kabengele Matipa.
Authorities suspect that Matipa, who was an employee of Maynard Engineering Ltd., was sleeping in the cabin when the explosion occurred around 02:00hrs.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, with experts working to determine the exact circumstances leading to this devastating incident.
However, reports from the scene suggests that Matipa may have retired to bed leaving his charcoal stove (mbaula) on.
It’s suspected that he may have succumbed to fumes from the stove and died before the truck caught fire.
The news of Matipa’s untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the trucking industry, highlighting the dangers of using mbaula as heaters in the truck.
Matipa’s family, friends, and colleagues are grappling with the loss of a dedicated and hardworking individual who was known for his professionalism and commitment to his job.
Matipa, a devoted husband of 11 years and a loving father to a young daughter, leaves behind a family shattered by his sudden and tragic death.
The loss has left a void that can never be filled, and his loved ones are mourning his passing while coming to terms with the immense grief and pain.
Two years ago, another truck driver was found dead in his truck after his cooking leaked as he was sleeping.
His workmates only discovered his lifeless body in the afternoon after he did not wake up in the morning.
