Authorities have confirmed that the R71 through Magoebaskloof has reopened following the fiery truck crash and explosions that rocked the pass in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
New information reveals that the truck, which was carrying a load of gas cylinders, was travelling downhill towards Tzaneen when it suffered brake failure just after 01:00.
Losing control, the truck smashed through a barrier just above the Magoebaskloof Ruskamp and plunged down the embankment before erupting in flames. What followed was a chain of massive explosions as gas cylinders ignited one after the other, sending fireballs into the sky and setting parts of the mountain ablaze.
Incredibly, the driver managed to escape the wreck in time, fleeing on foot before the first blast. No injuries have been reported in what could have been a far worse disaster.
Emergency services wasted no time. Responders from Letaba Fire Protection Association, Tzaneen Fire Brigade, Disaster Management, SARZA Limpopo, and the Tzaneen Emergency Support Team were on scene throughout the night and into the morning, working to contain the blaze and make the area safe.
The incident prompted the full closure of the R71 for several hours, with authorities urging motorists to use alternative routes.
By late morning, clean-up operations had progressed enough for officials to reopen the road to traffic. However, motorists are still urged to drive with caution, as emergency teams may still be in the area monitoring for flare-ups.
This crash once again puts the spotlight on vehicle brake safety, especially for trucks navigating steep mountain passes.
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