The N11 at Kranspoort Pass is closed following a truck accident involving a sulphuric acid spill. Emergency services, Hazmat teams, and spill specialists are on site, with the road expected to remain closed for several hours.

According to Kranspoort Fire & Rescue’s, Renier Nortje, confirmed that emergency services were dispatched at approximately 01:40 during the early hours of Wednesday, 1 January 2026.

Initial assessments indicate that the truck was transporting sulphuric acid, confirmed through the vehicle’s UN number. Due to the hazardous nature of the spill, specialized Hazmat protocols were immediately activated. The estimated closure time of the road, is 4-6 hours, but can be expected to last the duration of New Years day.

Notably, no driver was found on scene at the time of emergency responders arrival.

Road closure and recovery operations:

• Road Closed: N11 Kranspoort Pass (both directions)
• Substance Involved: Sulphuric acid
• Emergency Response: Fire, Hazmat, traffic services
• Recovery Status: Recovery operations have commenced
• Spill Response: Spill Tech dispatched, ETA approximately 2.5 hours
• Estimated Closure: Minimum of 4–6 hours, possibly longer.

Motorists travelling between Middelburg, Loskop Dam and Groblersdal are urged to avoid the area entirely and make use of alternative routes until further notice.

Authorities have appealed to road users not to approach the scene, as acid exposure poses serious health and environmental risks.

This remains a developing situation, and updates will be shared as more information becomes available