The N2 was completely closed between Ndabakazi and the Kei Cuttings in the Eastern Cape after a serious overnight crash involving an oil tanker that left the road surface heavily contaminated and extremely dangerous for motorists.
According to a statement from the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, the tanker reportedly lost control, overturned, and spilled a large volume of oil across the carriageway. The spill turned the stretch into a serious skid zone, forcing authorities to shut it down immediately to protect road users.
Emergency services, traffic officers, and hazardous material response teams were dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident. Their focus has been on containing the spill, stabilising the area, and starting the long clean-up process.
Authorities have confirmed that operations are still ongoing and the road remains unsafe for any form of traffic.
For now, the affected section of the N2 will stay closed until further notice.
Watch: N2 Closed for Several hours After Fatal Truck and Car Crash
Officials say a full safety assessment must be completed before any reopening decisions are made, especially given how slippery and unpredictable the surface has become.
Motorists travelling in the area are being urged to use alternative routes and follow all instructions from law enforcement on the ground.
Drivers are also warned not to attempt to bypass roadblocks or ignore temporary signage, as conditions remain highly hazardous.
For freight operators and long-distance truckers moving along this corridor, delays are expected to stack up hard, with possible knock-on effects on delivery schedules heading in and out of the Eastern Cape.
Further updates will be issued as soon as the clean-up progresses and engineers confirm the road is safe for reopening.
Authorities have thanked road users for their patience while teams work to get this key transport route back in action.
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