Two tanker-related incidents on major Mpumalanga routes within the space of two days caused significant traffic disruptions, forcing prolonged road closures while emergency and recovery teams worked to clear the scenes.
The overturned gas tanker on the N17 outside Bethal. Photo: Ridge Times Newspaper.
On Sunday, 14 June, a gas tanker overturned on the N17 approximately two kilometres outside Bethal towards Trichardt. Emergency services and recovery teams responded to the scene, with traffic initially halted before a stop-and-go system was implemented while crews transferred gas from the damaged tanker.
The N17 was later fully closed between Bethal and the Baanbreker turn-off to allow recovery operations to continue safely. The recovery operation was completed later that day and the road was subsequently reopened to traffic.
A day later, on Monday, 15 June, a multi-vehicle collision involving several trucks and vehicles resulted in a fuel tanker explosion on the N12 near the Ogies/Blackhill off-ramp.
The fatal crash on the N12 just before the R555 Ogies/Blackhill off-ramp. Photo: Witbank News
One woman was killed and at least two other people were injured in the crash. Authorities reported that dense mist in the area may have contributed to the incident.
The N12 remained closed for an extended period while emergency services, recovery teams and cleanup crews worked at the scene. Recovery operations reportedly took around 18 hours before the route was cleared and reopened to traffic.