N1 reopens after crash results in tank carrying fuel exploding
The N1 North has been reopened for traffic following an earlier closure due to the fuel container explosion.
It’s alleged the driver lost control of his Mahindra bakkie when the vehicle in front of him stopped abruptly, causing him to lose the load on the trailer he was drawing.
All lanes on the N1 north, between William Nicol and Malibongwe Drive, were closed for more than five hours.
Three cars were involved in the crash, and one person suffered moderate injuries.
Hazardous material management teams carried out clean-up operations while the relatives of the single occupant of the silver Audi sedan were seen collecting her possessions.
Joburg emergency spokesperson, Xolile Khumalo says the driver of the bakkie was initially not forthcoming with his details.
“We’ve tried to ask him which company he is from, the size of the tank, and the amount of diesel he was carrying but he is busy shifting around. It is allowed to carry such a tank, but a person must have a permit,” she says.
Khumalo says driver of the bakkie that was pulling a trailer carrying the diesel tank lost control when the car in front him allegedly stopped abruptly. A total of three cars were affected, and one person (a female driver) suffered moderate injuries. #N1TankerBlast pic.twitter.com/n1kBFx5xZI
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) February 17, 2023
It’s unclear whether he was able to produce the permit authorising him to transport the highly flammable liquid.
Khumalo says while the situation was dangerous, there has been minimal damage to the road.
“It’s less than 2000 litres. We are not saying that’s not dangerous, but it’s not that huge. Nobody got affected by the flames or the fire.”
The Joburg metro police have also confirmed that roadworks to repair the damaged road surface have begun.
