N12 Highway Closed After Gas Tanker Fire Near Comaro Road In Johannesburg South

A deadly crash involving a gas tanker forced the complete closure of the N12 Highway near the Comaro Road off-ramp in southern Johannesburg in the early hours of Sunday.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) confirmed that a light motor vehicle collided with a stationary LPG tanker, triggering a dangerous fire. The driver of the vehicle was declared dead at the scene.

The collision occurred on the westbound side of the highway just before the Comaro Road off-ramp in the Bassonia area. The fire intensified rapidly due to the highly flammable nature of the tanker’s contents.

N12 Closure After LPG Tanker Explosion Risk

Emergency services, including firefighting units, were swiftly dispatched to contain the blaze. Authorities indicated that the situation remained volatile, with a significant risk of explosion prompting officials to shut down both directions of the N12.

Crews have been working to extinguish the fire, cool the tanker and secure the area, with operations expected to continue for several hours.

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Traffic Diversions And Alternative Routes For Motorists

Traffic has been redirected at multiple points to ease congestion and ensure public safety. Westbound vehicles are being diverted at the R59 Reading Interchange, while eastbound traffic is being rerouted at Kliprivier Drive.

Motorists have been strongly advised to avoid the area and consider alternative routes, including the M1 via Booysens, the R59 through Alberton, and Kliprivier Drive through nearby southern suburbs.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as clean-up operations get underway.