Latest news with #LetabaFireProtectionAssociation
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- The Citizen
It felt like a war zone: Limpopo woman recalls gas cylinder explosion and forest fire
Rene Viljoen, the programme co-ordinator at Warriors Academy, will never forget how the sound of explosions jolted her awake and the mountain lit up in flames. Letaba Herald reports that in the early hours of this morning, Viljoen was awoken by what she described as the sound of an 'attack in a war zone', only to discover that a truck carrying gas cylinders had exploded above Magoebaskloof Ruskamp, triggering a forest fire and a string of thunderous blasts that rocked the area. Terrifyingly close to the scene, Viljoen described how the forest came 'alive with fire', each blast illuminating the darkness like a signal flare. With adrenaline surging and sleep impossible, she joined others in watching the inferno unfold. 'I was afraid of a forest fire that could get out of control,' she wrote in a Facebook post just hours later, still reeling from the chaos. The fear was not unfounded. The explosion closed the R71 and sent flames racing down the mountainside, dangerously close to Warriors Camp. 'I am not sure what happened, and I hope the driver escaped,' she added. Later information revealed that the driver had managed to get away without injury. Emergency services – Letaba Fire Protection Association, Tzaneen Fire Brigade, SARZA Limpopo, Disaster Management and the Tzaneen Emergency Support Team – descended on the area swiftly, battling both flames and treacherous terrain. By 04:30, teams were still working to contain the blaze, but accessing the actual site of the explosion remained too risky. Staff from Warriors Camp rushed towards the scene despite not knowing the extent of the danger. 'They ran to assist, not knowing what they were heading to,' Viljoen said. Others stayed back, preparing spray cans and water to defend their homes against the advancing fire. By morning, the flames had subsided, replaced by the blinking lights of emergency crews. But for Viljoen, the emotional fire still raged. 'I'm sure I'll crash and fall asleep this afternoon,' she said. 'Just too much adrenaline released. Survival instinct.' Local WhatsApp groups claim the driver lost control of the truck when the brakes failed. The R71 between Polokwane and Tzaneen has since officially reopened to motorists following the explosion. The Limpopo Department of Transport confirmed the road is safe for use after fire crews managed to contain and extinguish the blaze that spread through the forest near the Magoebaskloof Ruskamp. Watch the video: Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Magoebaskloof explosion: Woman recounts her ‘war zone' experience
TZANEEN – Rene Viljoen, the Programme Coordinator at Warriors Academy, will never forget how the sound of explosions jolted her awake, and the mountain was lit up in flames. In the early hours of this morning, she was awoken by what she described as the sound of an 'attack in a war zone,' only to discover that a truck carrying gas cylinders had exploded above Magoebaskloof Ruskamp, triggering a forest fire and a string of thunderous blasts that rocked the area. Read more: R71 remains closed after early morning gas explosion in Magoebaskloof Rene, terrifyingly close to the scene, described how the forest came 'alive with fire,' each blast illuminating the darkness like a signal flare. With adrenaline surging and sleep impossible, she joined others in watching the inferno unfold. 'I was afraid of a forest fire that could get out of control,' she wrote in a Facebook post just hours later, still reeling from the chaos. The fear was not unfounded. The explosion closed the R71 and sent flames racing down the mountainside, dangerously close to Warriors Camp. 'I am not sure what happened, and I hope the driver escaped,' she added. Later information revealed that the driver had managed to get away without injury. Emergency services – Letaba Fire Protection Association, Tzaneen Fire Brigade, SARZA Limpopo, Disaster Management and the Tzaneen Emergency Support Team – descended on the area swiftly, battling both flames and treacherous terrain. By 04:30, teams were still working to contain the blaze. But accessing the actual site of the explosion remained too risky. Staff from Warriors Camp rushed toward the scene despite not knowing the extent of the danger. 'They ran to assist, not knowing what they were heading to,' Rene said. Others stayed back, preparing spray cans and water to defend their homes against the advancing fire. By morning, the flames had subsided, replaced by the blinking lights of emergency crews. But for Rene, the emotional fire still raged. 'I'm sure I'll crash and fall asleep this afternoon,' she said. 'Just too much adrenaline released. Survival instinct.' Local WhatsApp groups say that the driver lost control of the truck when the brakes failed. Authorities have since confirmed that the R71 will remain closed until further notice as investigations continue, but one thing is clear: for those who witnessed the devastation up close it was hours of fire and fear, but also courage. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Watch: Truck carrying gas cylinders crashes in Limpopo, sparks forest fire
The R71 through Magoebaskloof in Limpopo has been closed until further notice after a truck carrying gas cylinders crashed in the early hours of this morning, sparking a mountain-side forest fire. According to Polokwane Review, Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety acting spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala, in a statement posted just after 08:00, said the blaze is as a result of a crash involving a truck carrying gas cylinders. Emergency response teams including the Letaba Fire Protection Association, Tzaneen Fire Brigade, SARZA Limpopo, Disaster Management and the Tzaneen Emergency Support Team were quickly dispatched. By 04:30, crews were still battling the fire, which was creeping down the mountain towards Warriors Camp, making access to the explosion site too dangerous. 'It is too dangerous to access at the moment,' a message on a local WhatsApp group read. Polokwane Review reports that messages on a local emergency WhatsApp group suggest the truck lost control and crashed through the barrier just above the Magoebaskloof Ruskamp as a result of failing brakes and burst into flames at around 01:00. 'Emergency services are still at the scene and although most of the wreckage has been cleared and majority of the consequential fire in the surrounding forest extinguished, the pass remains closed. We have also had reports that the fire has reached the property of the Warriors Basecamp and they are fighting to prevent it from reaching the barn on the property,' a message reads. A video taken by a passing motorist shows flames engulfing a section of the forest, with explosions audible in the background. 'Woah! That's definitely a truck with something that's exploding. It's got something on it,' the driver can be heard saying. Authorities have reminded motorists that heavy vehicles are not permitted to use the R71 and should instead take George's Valley Road as an alternative route. The R71 will remain closed until further notice, and road users are urged to avoid the area. It is also reported that the driver of the truck escaped without injuries. Casualties are yet to be confirmed despite previous reports of one fatality. Taueatsoala said motorists are advised to use the following alternative routes: George's Valley Road (R528 road) R81 via Modjadjiskloof 'Motorists can also use alternative routes as directed by our traffic authorities. We urge all motorists to exercise caution and prioritise their safety. We will provide updates as more information becomes available,' his statement reads. Watch the video: Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
