On 20 April, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) confirmed that the N12 Freeway in Bassonia has been officially reopened to traffic in both directions following a fatal collision that resulted in a gas tanker catching fire.
The major route had been closed since yesterday, 19 April, after the crash triggered a dangerous blaze. The JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla said: “Emergency teams successfully completed the high-risk decanting process and the necessary mop-up operations. The roadway has been declared safe for public use, and all previously active diversions at the R59 Reading Interchange and Comaro Road have been lifted.”
The incident caused significant disruption for commuters and residents in Johannesburg’s southern suburbs.
JMPD extended appreciation to all emergency personnel involved in the operation: “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated teams who worked tirelessly under hazardous conditions to secure the scene. We also thank the public and the residents of the Southern Suburbs for their extreme patience and cooperation while these essential operations were carried out.”
