Huguenot Tunnel Remains Closed After Bus Fire Causes Structural Damage

The Huguenot Tunnel on the N1 remains closed to traffic this Saturday following a dramatic bus fire that broke out inside the tunnel last night.

According to Drakenstein Municipality Fire Services, the blaze was caused by an electrical fault on the bus, which caught alight while travelling through the tunnel just before midnight. All passengers were successfully evacuated, with only one person sustaining minor injuries. The patient was treated and transported to hospital, and no further injuries have been reported.

Emergency crews, including the Tunnel Fire Team, managed to extinguish the fire and clear the scene. However, officials have confirmed that the tunnel suffered structural damage during the incident. As a result, it will remain closed for the entire day while engineers carry out a full safety assessment.

The closure is causing significant traffic disruptions on the N1 between Paarl and Worcester. Motorists are urged to plan their routes carefully and expect delays.

Complicating the situation further, the R101 Du Toitskloof Pass, a common alternative route, also remains closed due to ongoing construction and will only reopen on 1 November 2025.

Authorities have appealed to road users to remain patient and avoid the area where possible. “Safety assessments are crucial before reopening the tunnel. We understand the inconvenience, but public safety remains our top priority,” officials said.

SA Trucker will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.