Pretoria – A truck carrying cleaning equipment caught fire on the N1 north at the Rigel Avenue offramp in Pretoria East just before 11:00 on Wednesday, triggering heavy traffic delays.
The Volunteer Emergency Medical Response Unit (VEMRU) received the initial call and rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, responders found the cargo ablaze in the truck’s back section.
“On arrival, we found that the cargo of cleaning equipment started burning on the back of a truck and was removed by the driver and passengers,” VEMRU reported in a statement.
A load on a truck catches fire on the N1 north at the Rigel Avenue off-ramp in Pretoria East https://t.co/16OBJaRfS9#ArriveAlive #GoodsInTransit #VehicleFire @BurnshieldZA pic.twitter.com/Gqv6YBv10f
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 4, 2026
City of Tshwane firefighters arrived swiftly, extinguishing the blaze and salvaging as much equipment as possible. The cause of the fire remains undetermined at the scene.
VEMRU thanked Tshwane Emergency Services for their quick response. The non-profit organisation, a registered NPC and PBO, provides free medical and trauma emergency responses, relying entirely on sponsors and donations.
“Sponsorship opportunities and Section 18a Tax certificates for businesses and individuals are available,” VEMRU noted, urging support for their life-saving operations.
Traffic has since cleared, with no reported injuries.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
