A container loaded with petrol caused chaos on the N1 highway between William Nicol and Malibongwe Drive when it exploded sometime on Friday morning, February 17.
This was confirmed by Johannesburg Metro Police Department.
Apparently, the container dislodged from the vehicle towing and exploded on impact when it landed on the highway.
Eyewitnesses on the scene also reported that the explosion had happened when the container, described by some as a cylinder, collided with a light motor vehicle.
Yet more reports from eyewitnesses stated that the trailer rolled, dislodging the container and causing its contents to combust.
At just after noon it was reported that Hazchem emergency was on the scene to clean up the area and secure it.
The incident in the northbound lane caused severe backup of traffic as emergency personnel closed off all the lanes while firefighters spread sand across the highway to prevent any further spills from igniting.
