WATCH: One dead as petrol tanker explodes on N1

The crash saw the tanker explode on the N1 near Botha Avenue in Centurion in Tshwane. 

Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Charles Mabaso says firefighters saw the smoke and flames from several kilometers away and heard multiple explosions as they were approaching the scene.

“Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters found a tanker that was lying on its side and engulfed by fire.

“They, together with law enforcement agencies and other emergency medical services immediately closed off the N1 direction south and north between Botha Avenue and the R21/N1 Flying Saucer interchange.”

The body, believed to be that of the driver, were found burnt beyond recognition in the cab of the tanker.

Mabaso says the city’s environmental management practitioner and spill cleaning company were also activated.

“Water drainage systems were closed to contain the runoff before the fire was doused of with firefighting foam from two hose lines and a master stream from an industrial firefighting truck.

“Tshwane dispatched two fire engines, two water tankers, a ladder truck a mobile command unit and multiple support vehicles to manage the scene and fight the fire.”

The scene was handed over to the police for further investigations.