2 way traffic reinstated on N2 Knysna after truck accident

Update

KNYSNA NEWS - The N2 between the Rheenendal turn-off and the Red Bridge turn-off outside Knysna has been reopened to two-way traffic until further notice, the Knysna Municipality said just before 21:00 today, Thursday 3 April.

The road between the turn-offs had been closed at intervals during the day and then a stop and go system put in place there this evening, after a truck carrying explosives overturned at the Belvidere turn-off at 04:00.

The municipality said it expected that containers of explosives would be cleared from the scene of the accident by 01:00 tomorrow morning, if everything went to plan.

"A crane truck is expected to arrive at 23:00 (tonight), accompanied by a cargo truck," municipal manager Lulamile Mapholoba said.

"The trailer of the overturned truck has already been removed. The containers will be moved to level ground before being lifted by the crane onto the cargo truck for removal."

Garden Route District Municipality deputy fire chief, Deon Van Wyk, who has been heading the GRDM hazmat response team at the site, said: "The containers are filled with explosives and have been safeguarded from heat.

"No power supply or electric currents are near any of the containers. Each container will be carefully lifted and moved over a two-hour period once the crane and cargo truck arrive".

The truck carrying the explosives caught fire after overturning, and the driver and a passenger were declared dead at the scene. A Provincial Emergency Response officer was taken to hospital after inhaling toxic fumes.

GRDM mayor Andrew Stroebel said: "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of the driver and passenger who tragically passed away during the incident.

"We thank the emergency responders and all those assisting at the scene."

Those assisting include the Knysna Municipality Fire Service, GRDM Fire and Rescue Service, GRDM Disaster Management, the SAPS, the SAPS explosives unit, and the Western Cape Provincial Ambulance Service and Traffic Department.

The GRDM and Knysna Municipality thanked the Greater Knysna Business Chamber for providing refreshments to rescue workers.

For more information, contact Knysna Municipality's acting head of Disaster Management, Pam Booth, at 060 998 6967.

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