JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – A catastrophic collision involving an LPG gas tanker has left one person dead and forced the indefinite closure of the N12 highway in southern Johannesburg. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, April 19, 2026, sparked a massive inferno that has paralyzed traffic across the region as emergency crews’ battle to contain the volatile blaze and mitigate the risk of a secondary explosion.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) have declared the area highly hazardous, with a complete shutdown in place in both directions between the R59 and Comaro Road.

According to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, the disaster unfolded on the westbound carriageway near Bassonia when a light motor vehicle collided with the rear of the LPG tanker. The force of the impact caused the tanker to ignite instantly, creating a towering fireball visible from several kilometers away. While the tanker driver managed to escape uninjured, emergency services confirmed that the driver of the light motor vehicle was tragically killed in the crash.

Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Kagiso Phasha noted that although the fire is contained, crews remain engaged in defensive operations, continuously cooling the tank with high-pressure water to prevent a catastrophic BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion).

The scene remains an active "red zone" as specialized Hazmat teams closely monitor gas levels for any signs of leakage. Emergency services have placed retrieval efforts on hold, with spokesperson Phasha stating that teams cannot approach the vehicle until internal pressure is reduced for a safe extrication.

Meanwhile, JMPD officers have established a massive security perimeter, turning back all traffic and keeping onlookers away from the highway barriers to protect against the persistent threat of toxic fumes and potential shrapnel.

As one of Gauteng's busiest arteries, the N12 closure has triggered unprecedented gridlock across the southern suburbs. Both eastbound and westbound lanes remain shutting, with traffic diverted at the R59 Reading Interchange for those heading toward Soweto and at Kliprivier Drive for those traveling toward Alberton.

Motorists are strongly urged to avoid the area entirely, utilizing recommended bypasses such as the M1 via Booysens or the R59 through Alberton, though Kliprivier Drive is already experiencing extreme congestion from the surge in diverted vehicles.

Residents in nearby Bassonia and Glenvista reported hearing several small explosions following the initial crash. Local disaster management teams are on standby should shifting winds necessitate the evacuation of nearby residential blocks due to gas leak concerns.