-Staff Writer / Friday , 23 January 2026
A heavy motor vehicle accident on the R59 near Vredefort in the Free State has caused major traffic disruptions after a truck overturned and spilled its load onto the roadway.
The incident occurred about nine kilometres outside Vredefort, prompting the implementation of a contra-flow system to allow traffic to move while emergency teams conduct cleanup operations.
Confirming the incident, Free State Road Incident Management Systems chairperson Sipho Towa urged motorists to exercise patience and caution.
“A heavy motor vehicle has overturned on the R59 near Vredefort, resulting in its load spilling across the road. Contra-flow traffic management is currently in place as cleanup operations continue,” said Towa.
He warned that the R59 is a critical transport route and that accidents of this nature often lead to significant delays.
“Motorists are advised to be extra careful when travelling through the area. Where possible, alternative routes should be considered, or road users should check for updates before departing,” Towa added.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether there were any injuries. Motorists are urged to remain alert and follow instructions from traffic officials on the scene as operations continue.
News Junction (Gold Standard)