N12 highway shut after deadly gas tanker fire

By Palesa Matlala

• A driver died after crashing into a stationary gas tanker on the N12, sparking a dangerous fire that shut both directions of the highway.
• Authorities closed the road for hours due to explosion risks, with traffic diverted and drivers urged to avoid the area.

A gas tanker fire forced the full closure of the N12 highway near the Comaro Road off ramp in the south of Johannesburg early on Sunday.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department said a light motor vehicle crashed into a stationary liquefied petroleum gas tanker.

According to Xolani Fihla, JMPD spokesperson, the vehicle driver died at the scene.

The crash happened on the westbound side of the highway near the Comaro Road off ramp in the Bassonia area.

The fire spread quickly because of the gas tanker’s load. Emergency services rushed to the scene, including firefighters who worked to control and put out the flames.

Authorities said the situation was dangerous due to the risk of an explosion. Both directions of the highway were closed to keep people safe.

Motorists were told the closure could last several hours while teams continued firefighting, cooling and cleaning work.

Traffic was redirected at key points. Westbound vehicles were diverted at the R59 Reading Interchange. Eastbound traffic was diverted at Kliprivier Drive.

Drivers were urged to avoid the area and use other routes. Suggested alternatives included the M1 through Booysens, the R59 through Alberton and Kliprivier Drive through nearby southern suburbs.

The incident also highlights pressure on fuel transport in the country. Fuel tankers remain a key way to supply petrol stations because rail systems are not widely used for this purpose.

Pictured above: Emergency teams at the scene of the fire

Image source: Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department