A fatal collision involving a gas tanker has caused traffic diversion on the N12 in the south of Johannesburg, with authorities warning that the route will remain closed for several hours as emergency teams battle a dangerous fire.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), working alongside the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), confirmed they are responding to a serious incident on the N12 Westbound, just before Comaro Road in Bassonia.
According to officials, the incident occurred earlier on Sunday morning when a light motor vehicle collided with the rear of a stationary gas tanker. The impact triggered a fire, rapidly escalating into a high-risk situation due to the volatile nature of the tanker’s cargo.
Emergency responders pronounced the driver of the light motor vehicle dead at the scene.
Both directions of the N12 have been completely shut down as firefighting teams work to contain the blaze and cool the tanker to prevent possible explosions.
“Due to the volatile nature of the gas cargo and the fire, a total road closure is in place for both the eastbound and the westbound lanes. The N12 remains a high-risk zone, as cooling operations continue,” said Xolani Fihla, spokesperson for the JMPD.
“Motorists are urged to avoid the area entirely, and follow the designated diversion points. Westbound traffic heading towards Soweto is being redirected at the R59 Reading Interchange, while eastbound traffic towards Alberton is being diverted at Comaro Road,” Fihla added.
