"Retrieval of the oranges were coincidental, our main objective and priority was to contain the diesel spill," said Knysna municipal manager, Johnny Douglas.
He explained that river booms were used to cordon off the contaminated area to prevent the diesel from spreading further into the lagoon. "Absorbents were used to soak up the diesel. These have been recovered and replaced as SANParks, who are assisting us in this operation, has deemed the scene to still be unsafe," he concluded.
Zanemvula Gozongo, Garden Route National Park communication manager, confirmed that, "SANParks, in association with the Fire Department, had set up booms to minimise any future spillage in the defined area". He further reported that the diesel spillage had been absorbed by the dry fibre used for such absorption. "The booms will remain as a preventative measure to minimise any future risks of diesel seeping into the Estuary." Gozongo concluded that the booms are inspected regularly by SANParks officials.
According to Captain Bernadine Steyn, SAPS spokesperson in the Southern Cape: "The driver and the passenger [of the truck] did not sustain any serious injuries. A vehicle accident report was opened with regards to the incident".
According to an eye witness, the accident caused traffic delays. Traffic law enforcement authorities implemented a ‘stop-go’ to ensure the safety of passing motorists. The witness wondered how safe the Knysna residents and tourists, walking or cycling on the new lagoon shoulder or walkway were.
Johan Swanepoel, the Lagoon Road project engineer, explained that should they have constructed an impenetrable barrier, it may have resulted in far greater injury and / or loss of life. "Such a barrier may cause an ‘out of control’ vehicle to be thrown back into the path of oncoming traffic, resulting in possible serious damage to both the vehicle and persons travelling in those vehicles." He further explained that should this accident have happened prior to the construction of the new road, "the truck would, most likely, have ended in the lagoon, resulting in far greater problems than are now being experienced."
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