KEY POINTS
-
A diesel tanker overturned on the N1 South near Roodepoort after colliding with another truck, causing a major fuel spill and the full closure of the highway.
-
Emergency services estimate at least four hours are needed to clear the scene, with traffic diverted and delays affecting surrounding routes.
-
Three people sustained minor injuries, and the incident adds to a troubling trend of severe road accidents across South Africa.
A serious crash involving a fuel tanker has led to the complete closure of the N1 South highway in Roodepoort, Johannesburg, just before the Maraisburg off-ramp.
The crash, which occurred on Monday afternoon, resulted in a hazardous fuel spillage, prompting an emergency response and significant traffic disruption.
According to Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla, the incident unfolded when a diesel tanker collided with another truck and overturned, releasing a large volume of fuel across the road surface. “The closure was implemented to ensure the safety of emergency personnel and motorists, and to allow for safe cleanup operations,” Fihla explained.
As of Monday evening, all lanes on the affected section of the highway remain closed, and motorists have been advised to use alternate routes to avoid heavy traffic build-up.
Traffic is currently being diverted at Gordon Road, while congestion continues to intensify along surrounding roads, including 14th Avenue and Hendrick Potgieter Road.
Emergency teams work against the clock to clear roadway
“The estimated time for the scene to be cleared and the N1 South to be reopened is approximately four hours,” said Fihla, noting that fire and rescue teams are on-site to manage the spillage and prevent any risk of ignition. The tanker’s cargo of diesel presents a significant fire hazard, necessitating specialized cleanup operations and constant monitoring by hazardous materials units.
Three individuals sustained minor injuries in the crash and were treated by paramedics at the scene. No fatalities have been reported. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of those involved, and investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
Videos and photos circulating on social media showed emergency responders working rapidly to contain the fuel and redirect traffic, with aerial views revealing long queues of immobilized vehicles stretching back several kilometers. The closure of this vital arterial route is already impacting commuters and freight transport throughout Gauteng.
Transport analyst Kgomotso Ndlovu emphasized the broader implications of such incidents: “Our major highways, especially ones like the N1, serve as lifelines for both daily commuters and commercial logistics. A closure of this scale can cost the regional economy millions in lost productivity and delayed goods.”
This crash comes amid a wave of recent road-related tragedies in South Africa. Just hours before, authorities launched a culpable homicide investigation into an accident on the N2 that claimed eight lives. In KwaZulu-Natal, a tow truck driver was arrested following another fatal collision involving multiple vehicles.
Fihla concluded his statement by urging drivers to remain calm and practice patience: “Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the N1 South entirely in this area. Use alternative routes and be prepared for delays. We also appeal to all drivers to exercise caution, especially near accident scenes.”
Road authorities are expected to release an update once the cleanup is complete and lanes are reopened. Motorists have been advised to monitor traffic alerts and news platforms for real-time information.
