The R71 in Magoebaskloof, a popular route between Polokwane and Tzaneen in Limpopo, has been closed to traffic after a gas truck explosion early Tuesday morning caused a massive fire in the area’s plantations.
Magoebaskloof traffic diversions in place after R71 truck explosion
Limpopo transport officials confirmed the closure, advising motorists to find alternative routes as emergency services respond to the scene.
The explosion happened when a truck transporting gas cylinders lost control and crashed on the winding stretch of road. The impact caused several cylinders to ignite, leading to multiple explosions and sparking a veld fire that spread into surrounding forest plantations.
Transport department spokesperson Matome Moremi Taueatsoala said the fire broke out after one of the gas cylinders exploded.
“The Department of Transport and Community Safety has warned motorists about a serious incident on the R71 in Magoebaskloof, where a gas cylinder crashed and caused multiple explosions, igniting a fire in the nearby plantation,” he said.
No injuries were immediately reported except for the truck driver, who suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Emergency crews remain on-site, and mop-up operations are underway. Authorities have yet to determine when the road will be reopened.
As a result of the accident, traffic has been diverted to George’s Valley Road.
This route is longer but safer for heavy vehicles and is being monitored by local law enforcement for congestion and road safety.
Francois Liebenberg, one of the volunteers helping with clean-up operations, expressed frustration over the ongoing risks posed by trucks using Magoebaskloof.
“The plantation was affected and the surrounding forestry was also in jeopardy,” he told SABC News.
“The main problem in Magoebaskloof is that trucks are supposed to use the George’s Valley turn-off, but they take a chance on Magoebaskloof because it’s much shorter, and that’s the big problem for the whole community.”
Authorities are urging all road users in the area to obey traffic signs, follow detour instructions, and allow emergency responders space to manage the incident.
Firefighters continue working to contain the blaze and assess the extent of environmental damage caused by the explosions and fire.