N12 tunnel fire in Bedfordview extinguished after smoke scare under bridge

Smoke billows under busy N12 bridge as firefighters rush in

A tense moment unfolded in Bedfordview when thick smoke was spotted rising from a tunnel beneath the Boeing East Road bridge, directly over the busy N12 freeway.

What initially looked like an isolated fire quickly drew emergency attention as firefighters confirmed a rubble blaze burning inside the tunnel structure below the bridge.

Crews from Bedfordview, Edenvale, and Primrose fire stations responded to the midday call, arriving to find dense smoke pouring from the underground space.

According to emergency services, the fire involved recycling materials that had been set alight inside the tunnel area. The exact depth of the structure remains unknown, but no casualties were reported.

A hidden shelter beneath the highway

Beyond the fire itself, responders made a concerning discovery: the tunnel area appears to be used as an informal sleeping space.

Heaps of rubble and blankets were found on both sides of the bridge, suggesting long-term occupation beneath the freeway infrastructure.

The combination of open flames, flammable materials, and limited ventilation created a hazardous environment not only for those inside but also for motorists above.

Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesperson William Ntladi urged caution for drivers using the westbound N12, warning that smoke and reduced visibility could affect traffic safety in the area.

Traffic safety fears as smoke drifts across freeway

While the fire was contained, officials stressed that visibility around the bridge remains a concern.

The location sits directly above one of Ekurhuleni’s key transport routes, and any smoke buildup can quickly spill into traffic lanes.

Motorists have been urged to approach the area carefully, particularly during periods of low visibility or heavy congestion.

Another fire drama unfolds at Riverlea Secondary School

In a separate but equally worrying incident, authorities are investigating a suspected arson attack at Riverlea Secondary School.

The fire broke out just a day before learners and teachers were due to return to the classrooms, destroying three classrooms, a laboratory, and the school library.

It is the third fire incident recorded at the school, raising serious concerns about repeated damage and possible targeted sabotage.

Education officials suspect deliberate destruction

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile visited the school following the blaze and did not hold back in describing the situation as deeply troubling.

Preliminary police findings suggest the fire was intentional.

“This is a criminal activity. It’s not for the first time… this is a third incident,” Maile said, referencing previous fires in 2007 and again in 2025.

The department says it is working to restore a minimum standard of safety and learning conditions at the school, despite repeated setbacks.

A city grappling with repeated infrastructure fires

From the smoky tunnel beneath a major freeway to a school repeatedly targeted by fire, the recent incidents highlight a broader concern around urban safety and infrastructure vulnerability in parts of Gauteng.

While firefighters were able to contain the N12 blaze without injuries, both cases underline how quickly fire emergencies can escalateand how often they return in the same places.

For now, investigations continue into both the Bedfordview tunnel fire and the suspected arson at Riverlea Secondary School, as authorities work to determine whator whois behind the repeated outbreaks.

{Source: The Citizen}

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