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18 July 2025
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Accident involving truck transporting gas cylinders triggers multiple explosions and fires, Magoebaskloof, Limpopo
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A truck carrying gas cylinders of an unknown gas traveling from Polokwane to Tzaneen crashed, exploded and caught fire. The incident occurred around 01h00am on Wednesday, 16 July 2025. The driver reportedly managed to escape moments before multiple gas cylinders began exploding. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Tzaneen Medi-Clinic for treatment. The explosion caused multiple veld fires in the Magoebaskloof area. All emergency services and organisations responded.
Department spokesperson Matome Moremi Taueatsoala says no other injuries have been reported so far. “The Department of Transport and Community Safety warned motorists about the serious incident on the R71 in Magoebaskloof, where a truck carrying gas cylinders crashed and caused multiple explosions, igniting a fire in the nearby plantation. The R71 is currently closed to all traffic until further notice. Emergency services are on the scene, working to contain the situation. Motorists are advised to use Georges Valley Road or follow alternative routes as directed by authorities.”
Mop-up operations
Traffic has been diverted to George’s Valley Road.
One of the volunteers in the clean-up campaign at the scene Francois Liebenberg, says, “The plantation was affected and the surrounding forestry was also in jeopardy that has been caused by this, the main problem in Makgoebaskloof is that trucks are supposed to use Georges Valley turn off but they take a chance to Magoebaskloof because is much shorter and that is the big problem for the whole community.”
Sources: Limpopo Chronicle, SABC News, Letaba Fire Protection Association, Letaba-Limpopo Herald
Department spokesperson Matome Moremi Taueatsoala says no other injuries have been reported so far. “The Department of Transport and Community Safety warned motorists about the serious incident on the R71 in Magoebaskloof, where a truck carrying gas cylinders crashed and caused multiple explosions, igniting a fire in the nearby plantation. The R71 is currently closed to all traffic until further notice. Emergency services are on the scene, working to contain the situation. Motorists are advised to use Georges Valley Road or follow alternative routes as directed by authorities.”
Mop-up operations
Traffic has been diverted to George’s Valley Road.
One of the volunteers in the clean-up campaign at the scene Francois Liebenberg, says, “The plantation was affected and the surrounding forestry was also in jeopardy that has been caused by this, the main problem in Makgoebaskloof is that trucks are supposed to use Georges Valley turn off but they take a chance to Magoebaskloof because is much shorter and that is the big problem for the whole community.”
Sources: Limpopo Chronicle, SABC News, Letaba Fire Protection Association, Letaba-Limpopo Herald