A driver has died after a light motor vehicle collided with the rear of a gas tanker, causing the tanker to catch fire on the N12 highway in Bassonia earlier today.

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed that the driver of the vehicle was killed in the crash, reports Comaro Chronicle.

Accident reported along the N12 involving an LPG Tankerhttps://t.co/yW91EZhFPE#ArriveAlive #HazardousGoods @CityofJoburgEMS @JoburgMPD pic.twitter.com/ytqiTQ60ip

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 19, 2026

The incident happened on the N12 westbound carriageway just before the Comaro Road off-ramp, where the impact resulted in the tanker catching fire.

All lanes of the N12 remain closed in both directions while emergency services continue firefighting and recovery operations at the scene.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area entirely and use 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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