A deadly crash and tanker fire on the N12 Highway in Bassonia has raised fresh concerns among KwaZulu-Natal motorists and transport operators who frequently rely on Gauteng routes for trade and travel.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that a light motor vehicle slammed into a stationary gas tanker on the westbound lane before Comaro Road early Sunday morning, sparking a fire.
The driver of the vehicle died at the scene.Emergency teams, including the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services, managed to contain the blaze, but the area remains dangerous as crews transfer remaining gas from the tanker.
Authorities warned that the operation could take several hours, with full road reopening delayed.The freeway has been completely shut in both directions, forcing traffic diversions and widespread congestion across southern Johannesburg.
While the incident occurred in Gauteng, logistics companies in KwaZulu-Natal say disruptions on major inland routes like the N12 often ripple through to the province, affecting delivery schedules between Durban and Johannesburg.
Truck operators and long-distance drivers travelling between Durban and Gauteng have been urged to delay trips or use alternative routes, including the R59 and M1.
Authorities have called for patience and strict adherence to road closures, warning that the area remains a high-risk zone until hazardous materials are safely removed and the scene cleared.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
