A tragic accident involving a gas tanker has claimed a life and brought traffic to a standstill in the South of Johannesburg on Saturday morning.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has issued an emergency advisory following a fatal collision on the N12 Westbound near Bassonia, which has resulted in the total closure of the freeway in both directions.
The incident
The emergency began earlier in the morning when a light motor vehicle collided with the rear of a stationary gas tanker on the N12 Westbound, just before the Comaro Road off-ramp. The impact of the crash triggered a fire.
The JMPD has regretfully confirmed that the driver of the light motor vehicle sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Current situation: “Highly volatile”
While emergency services have successfully managed the fire, the JMPD and City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) warn that the scene remains highly volatile.
EMS teams are currently transferring the remaining gas from the damaged vessel into a secondary tanker. This hazardous decanting process is expected to take between two to four hours, followed by extensive mop-up operations that will likely last several more hours. To ensure public safety during the transfer of hazardous materials, the freeway remains strictly closed to all traffic in both directions.
Traffic diversions and route guidance
Motorists are urged to avoid the area entirely, as significant congestion has built up throughout the southern suburbs.
For the N12 Westbound (toward Soweto), traffic is being diverted at the R59 Reading Interchange. For the N12 Eastbound (toward Alberton), traffic is being diverted at Comaro Road.
Recommended alternative routes
To bypass the significant congestion, authorities suggest using the M1 North/South via the Booysens area or the R59 through Alberton. Other local options include using Kliprivier Drive as a bypass through the Southern Suburbs or traveling on Comaro Road via Oakdene.