Knysna Municipality Emergency Services responded to a motor vehicle accident on the N2, at the western exit of Knysna in the vicinity of the Belvidere turn-off, at approximately 04:20 this morning. A truck carrying explosives had been involved in the accident and caught fire. Acting swiftly, Emergency Services managed to extinguish the fire.
Sadly, the truck’s driver and passenger died at the scene from their injuries. A Provincial Emergency Response officer was hospitalized due to fume inhalation and is currently undergoing medical treatment. The cargo has been isolated at this stage, and the South African Police Service Explosives Unit, along with other relevant role-players, are currently on site.
As a precautionary measure, the area has been isolated within a radius of at least one kilometre. An evacuation of all individuals within this radius is being implemented for public safety.
An emergency Joint Operations Centre has been established at the Knysna Emergency Services station to coordinate the response efforts and manage the incident.
Important Road Closure Information:
Once clean-up operations commence, including the removal of the hazardous cargo, the N2 will be closed to all traffic on the western side from the Rheenendal turn-off to the eastern side at the Red Bridge turn-off.
Travelers are advised to be aware of this closure and to make alternative travel arrangements. At this time, we are unable to provide an estimated duration for the road closure. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding during this critical operation.
Knysna Municipality requests that members of the public avoid the area and follow all instructions from emergency personnel on site. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
Contact Acting Head Disaster Management Pam Booth at 060 998 6967 for more information.
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