Cyanide Spillage at Chivhu Roundabout Triggers Emergency Response

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare

A truck transporting sodium cyanide spilled 90 drums of the highly poisonous chemical at the Chivhu roundabout on Wednesday afternoon, prompting an emergency response from police and environmental authorities.

The incident occurred at around 3 pm when panels on the trailer of a Liflink Logistics truck reportedly opened as the vehicle negotiated the roundabout. The truck was transporting 540 metal containers of sodium cyanide from Harare to Filabusi. Each drum weighed 55 kilogrammes, with around 20 of the 90 drums that fell reportedly having open lids, resulting in chemical leakage onto the ground.

Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Mashonaland East publicity officer Astas Mabwe confirmed the incident, saying the spillage was cleaned up later that evening with assistance from specialists in hazardous-material management. Police officers from Chivhu responded immediately, directing traffic away from the roundabout and barricading the affected area to protect the public while clean-up operations were underway.

Mabwe warned that sodium cyanide is highly poisonous and can interfere with the body’s ability to use oxygen following exposure. He also cautioned that the chemical poses serious risks to people, fish and wildlife if it contaminates surface water or groundwater. The EMA said the spillage had been contained and the affected area treated. However, the incident highlights the potential dangers associated with transporting hazardous chemicals through public roads and busy intersections.

Authorities urged the public to exercise caution around chemical spills and avoid approaching or handling containers suspected of carrying dangerous substances. Sodium cyanide requires specialist handling because exposure can be life-threatening. Any suspected contact with the chemical should be treated as an emergency, with affected individuals seeking immediate professional assistance.

Chivhu cyanide spillage