N12 Accident: A fatal head-on collision involving two trucks occurred along the N4 near the Waterval Boven Tunnel on Saturday, April 25, leaving one person dead and another seriously injured. Emergency services responded to the scene shortly after the crash, while authorities temporarily closed the road to manage the situation and ensure the safety of motorists.
Drivers traveling in the area have been advised to use Schoemanskloof Road as an alternative route while cleanup and investigations continue.
According to Trac N4 spokesperson Solange Soares, the crash is believed to have been caused by brake failure on one of the trucks traveling eastbound. The vehicle had just exited the tunnel and was heading toward the Five Arch Bridge around midday when the driver reportedly lost control.
“The driver of truck A lost control, veered into the westbound lane, and collided head-on with truck B, which was traveling in the westbound slow lane,” Soares explained.
The impact of the collision was severe, causing truck B to immediately catch fire. Flames quickly engulfed the vehicle, destroying it along with the first trailer attached to the truck. Reports indicate that one of the trucks was carrying carbon, which ignited upon impact and intensified the blaze.
Moeti Mmusi, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Safety, Security and Liaison, confirmed that an investigation into the exact cause of the crash is currently underway. Authorities are working to determine all contributing factors surrounding the tragic incident.