Kranspoort Pass Accident Leaves 1 Dead, Fatal Crash Sparks Debate After Diesel Tanker Catches Fire
- A diesel tanker caught fire after a multi-vehicle collision on the Kranspoort Pass in Mpumalanga
- The accident on the pass is the second in two weeks involving a truck carrying hazardous chemicals
- South Africans shared their thoughts on the accident and suggested what could be done on the stretch of road
Source: Original
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
MPUMALANGA – A fatal accident on the Kranspoort Pass on the N11 has got South Africans once again talking about trucks on the country’s roads.
One person passed away after a diesel truck was involved in a collision on the pass, which resulted in the tanker catching fire. Authorities closed off the pass to allow for emergency vehicles to gain access to the scene.
What happened on the pass?
According to the Middleburg Observer, a diesel tanker caught fire after it was involved in a multi-vehicle collision just after 7 am on the morning of 7 August 2025. The accident reportedly involved two side-tipper trucks, the diesel tanker, a bakkie and a car.
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The collision also caused a serious diesel spill, which contaminated the nearby Kranspoort Dam. The publication noted that Kranspoort had to switch off water pumps to prevent contamination of the reservoirs.
You can watch a clip of the aftermath below.
Have there been other similar accidents in the area?
The fatal crash happened two weeks after a similar accident on the Kranspoort Pass. On 19 July 2025, another accident resulted in a shipment of sulphur combusting. The sulphuric fire resulted in a veld fire, which had to be contained before it spread to nearby farms.
Hazmat crews had to be brought in to clean up the spill over one weekend.
Source: Twitter
How did South Africans react?
Social media users weighed in on the crash, with some noting that trucks were once again involved, while others suggested what needed to be done to make the pass safer, given the two recent accidents there.
Angela Campbell said:
“Fatigue would probably be the reason. The amount of pressure put on truck drivers to deliver should be addressed.”
Sello John Lepota agreed:
“They don't sleep enough, and that leads to fatigue.”
Marion Petersen asked:
“What is wrong with these truck drivers? Are they deliberately destroying trucks? Why are they employed as truck drivers if they don’t have the necessary qualifications? So frustrating reading about these incidents and constant accidents.”
Tebogo Khensani Maluleka suggested:
“Maybe it's about time they put a truck weighbridge there.”
Lduga Freddz agreed:
“A weighbridge can work there, I think. My God, have mercy.”
Ndamase Lee stated:
“This place needs serious prayer. There is a truck driver’s spirit that has never been collected. Why always trucks🤔?”
Leonard Sfiso Nkosi claimed:
“This road needs prayers 🙏 kune. Ghost nje straight.”
Other fatal crashes involving trucks
Briefly News has previously reported on other fatal accidents involving trucks. In January 2025, a truck driver fled after a container fell off the back of his vehicle and left one person dead on the N3.
In February, a motorist was killed when the car he was driving collided with a truck on Edwin Swales Drive.
On 11 May 2025, eight people were killed and 16 were injured on the N2 when a truck collided with a delivery vehicle.
Source: Briefly News
