Hazmat Spillage Forces Closure of N11 Kranspoort Pass Outside Middelburg

The N11 at Kranspoort Pass outside Middelburg has been completely closed following a serious truck accident involving a sulphuric acid spill in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 1 January 2026.

Emergency services were dispatched to the scene at approximately 01:40 after reports of a heavy vehicle accident on the mountain pass. According to Kranspoort Fire and Rescue, initial assessments confirmed that the truck was transporting sulphuric acid, identified through the vehicle’s UN hazardous materials number.

Due to the extremely dangerous nature of the substance involved, full hazardous materials protocols were immediately activated. Fire services, Hazmat teams, traffic authorities, and specialised spill response contractors were all mobilised to contain the spill and secure the area.

At the time emergency responders arrived, no driver was found at the scene, and authorities have not yet confirmed the driver’s whereabouts or condition. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.

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Spill Tech, a specialised chemical spill response company, was dispatched to the scene with an estimated arrival time of approximately two and a half hours after the initial call-out. Recovery operations have since commenced, however officials warn that the cleanup process is complex and time-consuming.

The N11 remains closed in both directions at Kranspoort Pass, with authorities estimating a minimum closure time of four to six hours. Given the severity of the spill and environmental risks involved, the closure could extend for most of New Year’s Day.

Read | N11 Closed After LPG Tanker Overturns Near Kranspoort Pass

Motorists travelling between Middelburg, Loskop Dam and Groblersdal are urged to avoid the area entirely and use alternative routes until further notice. Road users have also been strongly warned not to approach the scene, as exposure to sulphuric acid poses serious health and environmental risks.

Traffic updates will be issued as recovery and cleanup operations continue.