A truck transporting explosives overturned and burst into flames on the N2 near the Belvidere turn-off in Knysna early this morning, claiming the lives of two people and prompting a large-scale emergency response.
The incident occurred around 04:00 when the truck, carrying hazardous materials, lost control and overturned. The driver and a passenger were killed on impact, while a Provincial Emergency Services worker was hospitalized after inhaling toxic fumes.
Knysna Municipality’s Emergency Services swiftly contained the fire, but due to the dangerous cargo, authorities closed the N2 between the Rheenendal and Red Bridge turn-offs as a precaution. Residents within a 1km radius were evacuated while specialized teams, including the SAPS Explosives Unit, secured the scene.
In a recent update shared at 11h00, officials announced the N2 has been temporarily reopened to traffic in both directions. However, this is only a short-term measure until a specialized recovery truck from Cape Town arrives to remove the hazardous cargo.
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The N2 will close again once extraction operations begin.
Drivers should expect delays and consider alternative routes.
Residents allowed to return home may need to evacuate again during the cleanup.
A Joint Operations Centre has been set up at the Knysna Emergency Services station to coordinate the response. Authorities urge the public to avoid the area if possible and follow official updates for further instructions.
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