A fatal collision involving a light motor vehicle and a stationary gas tanker on the N12 highway near Bassonia, south of Johannesburg, briefly left the major route closed in both directions while emergency services managed a volatile fire and cooling operations. The highway has since been reopened to traffic.
The incident occurred shortly before 3:15 a.m. when the passenger vehicle crashed into the rear of the tanker on the westbound carriageway, close to the Comaro Road off-ramp. The impact caused the tanker to catch fire. The driver of the light motor vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, while the tanker driver managed to escape uninjured.
City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Mr. Kagiso Phasha, speaking from the scene, described ongoing defensive firefighting operations. “We are trying to contain the fire by doing defensive operations whereby we don’t send our firefighters to the fire but defensively,” he explained. Two monitors were deployed to cool the tank to prevent a potential explosion, and a device was installed to flare off and burn out the gas safely.
Mr. Phasha noted that decanting the gas was currently too risky due to pressure and temperature conditions, so crews were allowing it to burn off under controlled conditions. “The scene is under control,” he added, while emphasising the danger posed by the compressed gas. “That’s why you see us standing far from the scene… people must stay away from the area but let us not cause panic.”
At the time of the update, the body of the deceased remained at the scene. Mr. Phasha said emergency teams had located one victim but would only confirm the exact number of people in the vehicle and any further details after completing firefighting and extrication operations.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed the earlier road closures and diversion details. The N12 in both directions was shut due to the high-risk nature of the gas cargo and the fire. Motorists approaching from Alberton towards Soweto were diverted at the R59 Reading Interchange, while those travelling from the Soweto direction towards Alberton were diverted at Comaro Road.
Xolani Fihla urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, though he confirmed that the highway has now fully reopened. He indicated it was too early to confirm whether additional passengers were in the vehicle or report further injuries, stating that a case of culpable homicide would be opened once mop-up operations conclude and investigators examine the scene.
Emergency services stressed that the area continues to pose a significant hazard, with operations focused on safely containing the situation. While the N12 is now open, motorists are advised to remain cautious and monitor traffic updates for further developments.