A driver’s body was burnt beyond recognition last night after he reportedly lost control of a petrol tanker carrying 40 000 litres of 93 octane petrol.

The accident happened on the N1 heading north near Botha Avenue in Centurion in Tshwane.

“We received the call at approximately 18:39 and immediately dispatched multiple firefighting and support resources to the scene,” says Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Charles Mabaso.

Firefighters could see the smoke and flames from several kilometres away and could hear multiple explosions as they were approaching the scene.

Mabaso says they dispatched two fire engines, two water tankers, a ladder truck, a mobile command unit and multiple support vehicles.

“Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters found a tanker that was lying on its side and engulfed by fire. They, together with law enforcement agencies and other emergency medical services, immediately closed off both the N1 south- and northbound lanes between Botha Avenue and the R21/N1 Flying Saucer interchange.”

Human remains in tanker’s cab

Mabaso explains they found human remains – believed to be of the driver – burnt beyond recognition, in the tanker’s cab.

“The fire was subsequently extinguished once the fire in the ruptured and badly damaged tank was under control.”

He adds that the Tshwane environmental management practitioner and spill-cleaning company were also on the scene.

“Water drainage systems were closed to contain the runoff before the fire was doused off with firefighting foam from two hose lines and a master stream from an industrial firefighting truck.

“The scene was handed over to the SAPS crash scene investigators to investigate the cause of the accident.”

The N1 north- and southbound lanes were fully open by this morning, however, the N1 North only had two working lanes.

“Motorists must practice caution when approaching that area and follow instructions by law enforcement officers.”