UPDATE: Traffic flows to Johannesburg after chemical spill, but not to eMalahleni yet

Following the chemical spill early this morning, the N12 highway direction Johannesburg is open for traffic. However, motorists still can’t travel towards eMalahleni.

According to Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson Moeti Mmusi, a crash happened just after midnight and led to ammonia spillage with an odour so strong that residents near Tasbet Park and Uthingo Park Village were severely affected.

Several residents had to be evacuated from their homes in the early hours of the morning.

Mmusi said a preliminary investigation suggested that the side-swipe crash occurred when one of the trucks was attempting to overtake another truck.

“The third truck involved collided into one of the trucks. A sedan was also involved. One of the trucks was transporting energy drinks. The ammonia was leaked into the drain and these subsequently affected households and many residents woke up to the unbearable smell.”