The N12 East has been completely closed in Glenanda after a truck overturned and spilled a full load of coal across the highway on Monday morning amid wet and hazardous driving conditions.
According to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), the crash occurred shortly after the Kliprivier Drive off-ramp, where heavy downpours left the road surface slick and unstable.
Coal spill shuts down freeway
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed that the overturned truck resulted in a full road closure and major traffic disruptions.
“Motorists are advised to be aware of a major incident resulting in the complete closure of the N12 East freeway in Glenanda, where a truck has overturned and lost its load of coal immediately after the Kliprivier Drive off-ramp,” Fihla said.
Traffic is being diverted off the freeway at Kliprivier Drive.
Clean-up to take hours
Fihla said the closure will remain in place indefinitely, with recovery teams working to clear tons of spilled coal from the roadway.
“Significant traffic congestion is anticipated in the immediate vicinity and surrounding feeder routes. Motorists are advised to exercise patience and make use of alternative routes such as the M1 or Xavier Street,” he added.
JMPD officers are currently on-site managing traffic diversions and supporting clean-up efforts.
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