Metro police say it will take approximately four hours to clear the scene and reopen the N1 South highway.
All lanes of the N1 South highway before the Maraisburg off-ramp have been closed after a diesel tanker collided with another truck and overturned, spilling fuel.
Johannesburg Metro Police spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said the closure was a necessary measure to allow emergency responders space to safely manage the scene and clear the diesel spillage from an overturned tanker.
Vehicles diverted
Vehicles are currently being diverted at the Gordon Road exit as traffic volumes continue to increase on the N1 South and surrounding roads.
“The estimated time for the scene to be cleared and the N1 South to be reopened is approximately four hours,” Fihla said in a statement on Monday afternoon.
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“Motorists are strongly advised to… avoid the N1 South entirely in this area. Use alternative routes such as 14th Avenue and Hendrick Potgieter Road,” he added.
Fihla also appealed to drivers to exercise extreme patience and caution while travelling on alternative routes, as they are likely to experience increased traffic volumes.
Slight injuries
Three slight injuries have been reported, and emergency personnel and law enforcement are currently on the scene.
*This is a developing story and will be updated when more information becomes available.
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