NATIONAL NEWS - The N2 remains closed to traffic on the western side of Knysna from the Rheenendal turn-off to the Red Bridge turn-off.

This follows the death of two people when a truck carrying explosives caught fire after an accident on the N2 at the Belvidere turn-off in Knysna at 04:00 this morning, Thursday 3 April.

The Knysna municipality said late this afternoon that the section of road has been closed "due to the complexities of the hazardous material recovery operation and the critical need for rapid response access".

"Further updates and information regarding road access will be distributed as they become available," it said.

"Anyone planning to travel between Plettenberg Bay and George during the late afternoon is strongly advised to utilise the alternative route via the Prince Alfred Pass.

"The Joint Operations Centre remains operational, coordinating all aspects of the recovery and extraction process."

Earlier, the municipality said "residents who were evacuated from within a 1km radius of the incident site have been informed that they may return to their homes".

"They must, however, be prepared for potential re-evacuation once the extraction process begins."

It has been reported that a specialised vehicle from Cape Town is en route to the scene of the accident to assist with the removal of the explosives.

The operation to remove the explosives was expected to begin at 20:00.

"For safety reasons, the White Bridge will be closed from that time until the vehicle and its cargo are declared stable," a report said.

Motorists would have to use alternative routes to access Knysna from George, travel eastward to Plettenberg Bay, or travel westward to George during the operation.

 Anyone seeking further information is asked to contact the acting head of Disaster Management, Pam Booth, at 060 998 6967.

Article: Sister publication, Knysna-Plett Herald

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