Travelers going on the N3 from Durban to Johannesburg may expect lengthy delays after six trucks were set alight early Sunday morning.
According to South African Police Services, a gang of armed men ordered six truck drivers to pull over on the Van Reenens Pass.
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There have been no reported injuries. Detectives from Van Reenen are looking into a case of malicious property damage.
A strong police contingent, including the Public Order Police Unit, is on the scene to monitor the situation.
While it is unknown what inspired the arson attack on the heavy-duty vehicles, officials believe it may have something to do with local protests.
“The N3 Toll Route is currently closed in the area. Northbound traffic heading to Johannesburg is being stopped at Tugela Plaza, while southbound traffic heading to Durban is stacked at the top of Van Reenen Pass,” explained N3 Toll Concession operations manager Thania Dhoogra.
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“All authorities and emergency services are on scene. They have secured the area, and the fires have been doused. The clean-up and recovery operations are underway. Every effort is being made to reopen the N3 Toll Route as soon as it is safe.”
Dhoogra has encouraged road users to postpone their journeys to the area till further notice, stating that traffic officials would provide information on clean-up activities.
The closure of the Van Reenen Pass is expected to generate significant traffic congestion.
