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17 October 2025
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Huguenot Tunnel closed after bus catches fire, Western Cape
Bus fire scene from the East
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Bus fire scene from the West
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Tolcon Response team and Drakenstein Fire and Rescue
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SAPS on scene
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A bus caught alight on the N1 in the Huguenot Tunnel on Friday, 3 October 2025. CFO Wynand Els, Manager: Drakenstein Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management, said “A bus fire was reported at the Huguenot tunnel N1, direction Worcester, which Drakenstein Fire Services attended and which affected traffic flow via the N1 considerably. The bus was traveling along the N1 route to Worcester from Paarl, using the Huguenot tunnel during the night. It caught fire somewhere along the tunnel route and stopped near to the tunnel exit. Drakenstein Fire Services and Tolcon response teams engaged in the operation. Upon arrival it was discovered that the bus was well alight and the fire fully evolved and the Tolcon response teams was on the scene.”
Chief Els added, “Main Fire Station Paarl was dispatched at 23h26. The sub-tunnel was used to reach the area where the bus was located. Visibility was poor due to smoke in the tunnel. This caused the need to move through the tunnel to find the bus as it was difficult to assess the correct cross entrance between the tunnels. The bus was located very close to the eastern exit approximately 500 metres.”
“Tolcon response vehicles were found on scene with an initial attack, using the internal fire hydrants. Drakenstein fire services engaged the fire using a major pumper and water tanker. Additional resources were dispatched from other stations, later cancelled enroute,” said Chief Els.
“The bus fire was quickly contained and stopped, with attack lines and foam. Additionally, isolation material between the concreate roofing slates burned and was also extinguished. Damping down, ventilation and clean-up procedures commenced. The upper ventilation tunnels were also inspected and the tunnel ventilated. Traffic was diverted out of the tunnel and the tunnel closed for inspections and repairs.”
“One person was treated for smoke inhalation and transported to hospital.”
“Challenges experienced: Communication - Boom access at the tollgate was slow even though the tunnel control was notified of the incident and response before arrival. Confusion on the location of the bus cost time as the cross entrances could have been utilised. The effectiveness of the tunnel ventilation system was also a challenge. Visibility was very poor due to smoke accumulation,” said Chief Els.
He concluded, “Due to the rapid intervention of Drakenstein Fire Services and Tolcon response teams serious structural damage was prevented. This aided in the rapid reopening of the transport route and reduction in potential financial impact on tunnel repairs. Lessons learned in terms of challenges experienced should be explored to avoid similar problems in the future.”
Source: CFO Wynand Els, Manager: Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management
Chief Els added, “Main Fire Station Paarl was dispatched at 23h26. The sub-tunnel was used to reach the area where the bus was located. Visibility was poor due to smoke in the tunnel. This caused the need to move through the tunnel to find the bus as it was difficult to assess the correct cross entrance between the tunnels. The bus was located very close to the eastern exit approximately 500 metres.”
“Tolcon response vehicles were found on scene with an initial attack, using the internal fire hydrants. Drakenstein fire services engaged the fire using a major pumper and water tanker. Additional resources were dispatched from other stations, later cancelled enroute,” said Chief Els.
“The bus fire was quickly contained and stopped, with attack lines and foam. Additionally, isolation material between the concreate roofing slates burned and was also extinguished. Damping down, ventilation and clean-up procedures commenced. The upper ventilation tunnels were also inspected and the tunnel ventilated. Traffic was diverted out of the tunnel and the tunnel closed for inspections and repairs.”
“One person was treated for smoke inhalation and transported to hospital.”
“Challenges experienced: Communication - Boom access at the tollgate was slow even though the tunnel control was notified of the incident and response before arrival. Confusion on the location of the bus cost time as the cross entrances could have been utilised. The effectiveness of the tunnel ventilation system was also a challenge. Visibility was very poor due to smoke accumulation,” said Chief Els.
He concluded, “Due to the rapid intervention of Drakenstein Fire Services and Tolcon response teams serious structural damage was prevented. This aided in the rapid reopening of the transport route and reduction in potential financial impact on tunnel repairs. Lessons learned in terms of challenges experienced should be explored to avoid similar problems in the future.”
Source: CFO Wynand Els, Manager: Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management