A possible disaster was avoided recently when a truck tyre caught fire near a lodge and residential units in the Cradle of Humankind.

Conserve Security explained that the incident that occurred on 14 September at about 23.55pm was quickly brought under control to avoid an explosion.

The truck that was carrying flammable agricultural products was on route to Botswana when the inner left rear wheel caught fire and the truck driver had to stop on the N14.

A huge noise was heard kilometres away as the tyre exploded. The driver and a local resident, with limited fire extinguishers bravely attempted to extinguish the burning tyre; however it kept flaring up,” Conserve Security said on their Facebook page.

A short while later another resident came to the aid of the two men. Subsequently, the Conserve office was informed.

“Our local fire expert was contacted, and he and his firefighting unit cooled down the tyres, and secured the scene,” said Conserve.

The Conserve staff controlled the traffic and helped to move the truck to the side of the road after it was safe to do so.

“The transport company’s mechanic was called and by dawn the truck was gone – all this whilst most were sleep. Thank you to those who responded, and for keeping us safe,” Conserve said, and added that the driver was very grateful for the assistance.