Limpopo Transport authorities say the R71 at Magoebaskloof, outside Tzaneen in Limpopo, has been closed to traffic following a gas truck explosion earlier this morning.
The explosion has caused veld fires in the Magoebaskloof area.
The truck was travelling from Polokwane to Tzaneen. A truck driver has been hospitalised with minor injuries.
Department spokesperson Matome Moremi Taueatsoala says no injuries have been reported so far.
“The Department of Transport and Community Safety has warned motorists about a serious incident on the R71 in Magoebaskloof, where a gas cylinder crashed and caused multiple explosions, igniting a fire in the nearby plantation. The R71 is currently closed to all traffic until further notice. Emergency services are on the scene, working to contain the situation. Motorists are advised to use Georges Valley Road or follow alternative routes as directed by authorities.”
Mop-up operations
Traffic has been diverted to George’s Valley Road.
One of the volunteers in the clean-up campaign at the scene Francois Liebenberg, says, “The plantation was affected and the surrounding forestry was also in jeapordy that has been caused by this, the main problem in Makgoebaskloof is that trucks are supposed to use Georges Valley turn off but they take a chance to Magobaskloof because is much shorter and that is the big problem for the whole community.”