WATCH: Trucks torched on N2 near Empangeni

Police are investigating the torching of trucks on the N2 between eNseleni and Empangeni on Monday night.

The drivers of the freight vehicles escaped injury, managing to exit the trucks before they were engulfed by fire.

The incident forced City of uMhlathuze law enforcement to move port-bound trucks that were queueing on the N2, onto the John Ross highway, with some being staged at Naval Island, to ease congestion.

This, in turn, caused havoc on the John Ross during peak hour this morning (Tuesday), as the Richards Bay-bound carriageway was used for queuing trucks, while light motor vehicles were diverted onto the opposite side.

An accident involving several buses at the eSikhaleni intersection Empangeni-bound, as well as numerous broken down trucks, added to the congestion, forcing commuters to use the N2 alternative route.

The torching of trucks comes just days after multiple trucks were set alight on the N3 highway at Van Reenen’s Pass and five others in Mpumalanga – reportedly by an armed gang.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker said an armed gang accosted the N2 truckers last night, forcing them out of their vehicles, and stole their personal belongings before setting the trucks alight.

Cases of theft, arson and attempted murder have been opened for investigation.

Unconfirmed reports suggest it is foreign truck drivers who are being targeted.

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