#DurbanFire: Transnet investigating cause of fire at its two terminals!

Transnet has confirmed that a probe has been launched after a fire broke out at two of Transnet port terminals, namely at Richards Bay Multi-Purpose Terminal and Durban’s Grain Export Terminal, last two weeks.

The largest railway pipeline company said the fire had been immediately extinguished by the station’s fire team, and investigations are underway as the board of inquiry is being set up to determine the cause of fires

“A technical team has also been deployed to assess the extent of the damage with fire investigators working to establish the root cause,” a statement read.

Transnet said there were no injuries reported at the time of the fire.

Transnet National Ports Authority has issued Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) with letters of notice for TPT to ensure that all affected areas are safe before any operations can resume.

“The fires were contained and extinguished, and Business Continuity Plans (BCP) have been invoked and Transnet continues to work with all impacted stakeholders to minimize disruptions and ensure that repairs are concluded as quickly as possible,” statement further addressed.

“In Richards Bay, significant progress has been made in restoring operations – five of the seven conveyor belts have been fully restored and are back in operation.

“With the remainder of the conveyor belts, the Port has deployed manual handling to ensure continuity of operations. At the Port of Durban’s Maydon Wharf Precinct, there are currently two (2) conveyor belts, one handling grain and the other woodchip.

“The grain conveyor belt was affected by the fire after it had completed loading a grain vessel,” portion of statement entailed.

Transnet said the terminal is working around the clock to ensure that the belt is restored and back in operation by the time the next grain vessel arrives at the Port on 26 October 2021.

Transnet met with the leadership of the agricultural industry on Monday, and it will will be working with them to ensure support for a bumper grain season.

“Should it be found that any of the incidents were as a result of operational negligence on the part of any Transnet employee, further action will be taken,” Transnet said.

Transnet said it welcomes the support received from industry during the restoration of operations.