Sir Lowry’s Pass on the N2 was briefly closed to traffic on Friday evening following a massive veld fire which was allegedly caused by a burning vehicle.
@WCLiveTraffic tweeted about a stationary vehicle on the pass at the horseshoe bend on the N2 outbound carriageway at 14h29 on Friday afternoon.
Stationary Vehicle:
Sir Lowry’s Pass outbound on Horseshoe Bend
Left lane obstructed @WCLiveTraffic #WCLiveTelegram @Bosbeer2006 #WCLiveZello #BokRadio@MARIUSBROODRYK— WC Live Traffic & Safety Reports (@WCLiveTraffic) December 17, 2021
Cape Town – N2 Sir Lowrys Pass: Vehicle Fire sets mountain on fire – smoke / poor visibility – proceed with caution
Vehicle alight on the N2 outbound on Hairpin Bend Sir Lowry’s Pass. Lane closure inbound closed at Lookout Point, use alternative route.
— City of CT Alerts (@CityofCTAlerts) December 17, 2021
At 17h21, Twitter user, @Hlokan_e, reported the vehicle which was stuck had exploded subsequently lighting up the bush.
@TrafficSA WC (between Somerset and Grabouw) Sir Lowry’s Pass, a 🚐 caught 🔥 both sides of the N2 closed.
🔥 Made into the mounting bush during the explosion, wind making the flames move fast…— Hlokà Titàŋium Blàqk 🇿🇦 🇲🇿 (@Hlokan_e) December 17, 2021
According to Winelands Fire Protection Association, the Quick Reaction Team Helicopters were deployed to fight the Sir Lowry’s Pass fire.
Read also: N2 closed at Sir Lowry’s Pass following tanker fire
The association reported that the firefighters were succeeding to put out the fire despite extremely strong winds.
Traffic was briefly affected in both directions due to the reduced visibility caused by the smoke.
As of 20h07, the situation was looking much calmer on the south lookout point side of the mountain, however, fire high up on the left of the wagon trail, currently burning with strong winds.
Choppers were still on scene but expected to stand down anytime. The fire was still flaring high up on the mountain.
According to WC Live Traffic & Safety Reports, the road was reopened on both outbound and inbound lanes.
Update
Road Closure due to Veld Fire– N2 Outbound @ Sir Lowry Pass Rd, has been re-opened
– N2 Inbound @ Grabouw, has been reopened – no delays @WCLiveTraffic #WCLiveTelegram #WCLiveZello @BOSBEER2006 #BokRadio
— WC Live Traffic & Safety Reports (@WCLiveTraffic) December 17, 2021
