Skip to content

Cargo Ignited on Truck Bed During Transportation

What happened?

There was a fire in the cargo on the back of a truck whilst moving materials from the warehouse to the vessel. Whilst in transit, the driver observed flames coming from the truck bed.  He stopped the vehicle and used the vehicle fire extinguisher to tackle the fire. He was successful, despite very strong winds, and then returned to the  warehouse safely. No injuries to personnel, no damage to truck.

What were the causes? What went wrong?

Investigation did not reveal the exact source of ignition. There were nevertheless a number of concerns identified after interviews and review of CCTV video records:

  • The transported cargo appeared to have not been secured or belted in the truck bed;
  • Bottles of hand sanitizer, known to be a petroleum-based flammable material, formed part of the load. Prior to loading, there was no check made of the integrity of the bottles of hand sanitizer to see if there are any damage, leakage or container lids not properly closed. [NB this incident occurred in a hot country];
  • There was no segregation nor proper packaging of transported materials. Spirit containing sanitizers were stored next to lead-acid batteries and other equipment with metal elements (chairs and spare parts etc.) It was considered that loose metal parts could have potentially damaged the bottles of hand sanitizer, causing leakage of flammable material, or, interact with batteries causing sparks.

Actions

  • All transported loads should be packed & secured properly;
  • The integrity of the load should be checked to ensure no damage, leakage or container lids not properly closed;
  • Any internal and external potential for fire or sparks should be evaluated and eliminated before the journey.

Members may wish to refer to

Safety Event

Published: 24 July 2020
Download: IMCA SF 22/20

Relevant life-saving rules:
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.