By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Road transit disruptions are ongoing on the northbound section of the N2 highway near the M7 offramp in Durban after a tanker truck explosion.
A truck carrying petrol and diesel exploded on the N2 north, South of Durban, on Sunday.
Gareth Jamieson of ALS Paramedics said they were called to assist just after 1pm on the N2 northbound before Spaghetti Junction near Chesterville.
“On arrival, paramedics found multiple fire engines on the scene tackling the blaze. ALS Paramedics were shown to the driver who had sustained minor injuries. He was stabilised on the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital,” said Jamieson.
Durban – N2 North: Tanker Explodes near M7 Highway exit pic.twitter.com/XNm7Xkyg66
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) December 24, 2023
According to the driver, the trailer had a rear tyre burst which seemed to have caused the explosion, Road Traffic Inspectorate spokesperson Sindi Msimang said.
“It exploded because it conveyed multiple loads of fuel and diesel,” she added.
Msimang said the driver escaped unharmed and the fire had been extinguished.
“The road was completely closed, but [officials] have opened two lanes on the northbound [part of the road]. They left the other lanes for cleaning-up purposes.