Limpopo highway reopened after truck explosion

01 March 2014 - 17:13 By Sapa
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
The burnt-out remains of a truck that exploded on the N1 highway between Mokopane and Polokwane, Limpopo, in the early hours of yesterday morning, killing four policemen and a truck driver.
The burnt-out remains of a truck that exploded on the N1 highway between Mokopane and Polokwane, Limpopo, in the early hours of yesterday morning, killing four policemen and a truck driver.
Image: ELIJAR MUSHIANA

The N1 highway near Mokopane in Limpopo has been opened following an accident in which five people were killed, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) said on Saturday.

"We are pleased to announce that the road has been repaired and is now open," spokesman Vusi Mona said.

"We encourage road users to exercise caution and adhere to the rules of the road at all times."

A section of the highway was closed off on Thursday following an accident where a truck carrying groceries crashed into the rear of another truck carrying explosives.

Four police officers, who had attended to the accident, and a truck driver were killed. Police said the truck carrying blasting cartridges caught fire and exploded.

The driver of the truck containing the explosives was not harmed. However, the other truck driver was killed.

Three other police officers were seriously injured in the blast. Three motorists were also injured.

The explosion left a crater in the road.

Mona said the north bound lanes were opened on Friday night and the south bound lanes on Saturday morning.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now