On Friday June 14, around 13:30, emergency services and the Fire Department were called to the scene on the N12 (near the Ogies/Phola off ramp) where the vehicle had caught fire next to a burning veld.
Minty, the owner of the burnt down vehicle, had fortunately escaped before it started to burn. He looked on helplessly as his vehicle melted and fire-fighters tried to extinguish the raging flames.
Minty explained that he was travelling on the highway (towards eMalahleni), when thick smoke from the burning open field clouded the road, making it difficult to see.
“The vehicle in front of me had stopped. I saw it too late and swerved to avoid it,” Minty told. He only ‘clipped’ the other vehicle as he swerved off the road.
Another vehicle came after Minty and collided with the stationary vehicle on the road.
The wind carried the flames of the veld fire that reached Minty’s vehicle – which was standing too close to the burning grass.
Patients of the other vehicles involved were transported to hospital by JD-Med.
*Drivers and residents in the Mpumalanga area are warned to remain vigilant during the veld fire season. It is a contingency measurement that is necessary.
Drivers must take heed and lower speed on roads clouded by smoke from veld fires.
Footage of the accident scene
*Can’t see the video? Click here