Magoebaskloof explosion: Woman recounts her ‘war zone’ experience
Rene Viljoen recounts the moment a truck carrying gas cylinders exploded on the R71, sparking a forest fire and sending flames in her direction.
TZANEEN – Rene Viljoen, the Programme Coordinator at Warriors Academy, will never forget how the sound of explosions jolted her awake, and the mountain was lit up in flames.
In the early hours of this morning, she was awoken by what she described as the sound of an “attack in a war zone,” only to discover that a truck carrying gas cylinders had exploded above Magoebaskloof Ruskamp, triggering a forest fire and a string of thunderous blasts that rocked the area.
Read more: R71 remains closed after early morning gas explosion in Magoebaskloof
Rene, terrifyingly close to the scene, described how the forest came “alive with fire,” each blast illuminating the darkness like a signal flare. With adrenaline surging and sleep impossible, she joined others in watching the inferno unfold.
“I was afraid of a forest fire that could get out of control,” she wrote in a Facebook post just hours later, still reeling from the chaos.
The fear was not unfounded. The explosion closed the R71 and sent flames racing down the mountainside, dangerously close to Warriors Camp.
“I am not sure what happened, and I hope the driver escaped,” she added.
Later information revealed that the driver had managed to get away without injury.
Emergency services – Letaba Fire Protection Association, Tzaneen Fire Brigade, SARZA Limpopo, Disaster Management and the Tzaneen Emergency Support Team – descended on the area swiftly, battling both flames and treacherous terrain.
By 04:30, teams were still working to contain the blaze. But accessing the actual site of the explosion remained too risky.
Staff from Warriors Camp rushed toward the scene despite not knowing the extent of the danger.
“They ran to assist, not knowing what they were heading to,” Rene said.
Others stayed back, preparing spray cans and water to defend their homes against the advancing fire.
By morning, the flames had subsided, replaced by the blinking lights of emergency crews.
But for Rene, the emotional fire still raged. “I’m sure I’ll crash and fall asleep this afternoon,” she said. “Just too much adrenaline released. Survival instinct.”
Local WhatsApp groups say that the driver lost control of the truck when the brakes failed.
Authorities have since confirmed that the R71 will remain closed until further notice as investigations continue, but one thing is clear: for those who witnessed the devastation up close it was hours of fire and fear, but also courage.
