The N1 highway between Vaal Plaza and Kroonvaal One Stop remains closed due to a fatal accident involving two heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) earlier today. 

Recovery teams are currently clearing debris from lithium batteries from the burnt-out trucks. 

Road rehabilitation will follow once cleanup is done. 

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES:

• From Gauteng: Take the R59 to Parys, then the R723 to N1

• From Kroonstad: Proceed on the N1 past the Koppies off-ramp, take the R723 to Parys, then the R59 back to N1

Sipho Towa, Chairperson of Free State RIMS at 17:38 said that road closure is estimated to continue for at least 2 more hours. Updates will follow.