According to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), a major incident has resulted in the closure of the N12 Highway in the Bassonia area after a gas tanker caught fire on the westbound carriageway just before the Comaro Road off-ramp.

JMPD has warned that, due to the volatile nature of the blaze and the risk of a possible explosion, all lanes in both directions – eastbound and westbound – have been closed to traffic.

Emergency services are currently on the scene, with firefighting operations underway. The area has been declared highly hazardous as crews work to contain the fire.

@southern.courierAll lanes of the N12 near Comaro Road have been closed for hours as firefighters work to contain a hazardous tanker fire, with motorists advised to use alternative routes and expect delays.♬ original sound – Southern Courier

The closure is expected to remain in place for several hours to allow for firefighting efforts, cooling of the tanker, and subsequent mop-up operations.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area entirely and adhere to the following diversion routes:

N12 Westbound (towards Soweto): Traffic is being diverted at the R59 Reading Interchange.

N12 Eastbound (towards Alberton): Traffic is being diverted at Kliprivier Drive.

Alternative routes include the M1 North and South via the Booysens area, the R59 through Alberton, and Kliprivier Drive as a local bypass through the southern suburbs.

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JMPD has appealed to motorists to exercise caution, remain patient, and follow all instructions from traffic officials on site.

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