A fuel tanker accident occurred early this morning, May 6, near the Da Gama Bridge. Emergency services are on-site to manage potential leaks and clear the wreckage.

The section of the road where the accident took place has a stop-and-go system in place due to roadworks on the R40.

READ: Fuel tanker in accident on N4 outside Mbombela

Reports from the scene suggest that the truck may have crashed into the barriers and came to rest off the roadway. No injuries were reported.

This is a second incident reported in two days, leading to growing concern in the community.

Monday, May 4, a bakkie was involved in a similar accident on the R40.

A community member, Pieter Vos, a nearby farm owner, highlighted the poor condition of the road infrastructure and also questioned how long it would take to complete the roadworks in the area.

ALSO READ: UPDATE: Fuel tanker accident on N4 outside Mbombela cleared

He said the Da Gama Bridge is too narrow and can only accommodate two cars at a time.

“Motorists who are not used to the road often do not slow down when approaching the bridge to avoid such incidents,” Vos said.

He argued that the road surface and safety barriers are not equipped for the increasing volume of heavy-duty freight and tankers.

“No work is being done on the bridge. The road workers are dragging their feet and now the public has to carry the burden,” Vos said.