JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — One person died after a light motor vehicle collided with an LPG gas tanker on the N12 near the Comaro Road off-ramp in southern Johannesburg, triggering a major fire and forcing the highway to close in both directions.

The serious crash happened on the westbound carriageway shortly before the Comaro Road off-ramp in the Bassonia area. Emergency crews responded to the scene as the tanker remained a significant hazard because of the highly flammable gas it was carrying.

Fatal Crash Near Comaro Road

The collision involved a light motor vehicle and a stationary LPG tanker on the N12 westbound.

According to information released following the crash, the light motor vehicle struck the rear of the tanker, with the impact triggering a fire.

The driver of the light motor vehicle sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The tanker driver was able to escape and was not injured.

Gas Tanker Fire Creates Dangerous Conditions

The collision quickly became a major emergency because of the LPG being carried by the tanker.

Firefighters worked to control the flames and cool the damaged tanker while emergency personnel kept motorists away from the dangerous area.

Although the fire was brought under control, the tanker continued to present a serious hazard. Crews had to carefully manage the remaining gas before the damaged vehicle could be removed.

The situation was considered sufficiently hazardous that authorities maintained a complete closure of the N12 in both directions.

N12 Closed as Emergency Crews Respond

The highway closure caused significant disruption across southern Johannesburg.

Westbound motorists were diverted away from the affected area, while eastbound traffic was also prevented from approaching the dangerous scene.

The closure was expected to remain in place while firefighters completed cooling operations and specialist crews transferred the remaining gas from the damaged tanker to another tanker.

Additional cleanup and recovery work was required before the freeway could safely return to normal operation.

Major Traffic Delays Around Johannesburg

The incident created extensive congestion around the Comaro Road and surrounding southern Johannesburg road network.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area and consider alternative routes while emergency operations continued.

Suggested alternatives included the M1 through the Booysens area, the R59 through Alberton and Kliprivier Drive through the southern suburbs.

Drivers approaching emergency scenes were also urged to follow instructions from traffic officers and avoid attempting to pass through closed sections of the freeway.

Investigation Into the Collision

The circumstances surrounding the collision remain subject to investigation.

Authorities will examine how the light motor vehicle came to collide with the tanker and the circumstances surrounding the tanker being stationary on the freeway.

No further details about the deceased motorist’s identity were immediately released.

The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances leading to the fatal crash.

Community Mourns After Fatal N12 Accident

The death adds to the serious consequences that can follow major crashes involving hazardous-material vehicles.

For the family and loved ones of the person who died, the incident has brought sudden and devastating loss.

Authorities continue to urge motorists to exercise caution around emergency scenes, particularly when heavy vehicles carrying flammable or hazardous materials are involved.

Disclaimer

This article is based on information available following the N12 collision near Comaro Road. Details surrounding the crash and investigation may change as authorities release further information. The identity of the deceased has not been included where it has not been officially released, and readers should avoid relying on unverified claims about the incident.