Gauteng’s Relentless Rain Turns Deadly: Two Killed in Early-Morning N12 Crash

Travel chaos expected as wet, windy weather grips the province

Gauteng woke up to another cold, soaked morning on Monday, the kind where streetlights blur into the mist and tyres hiss across slick tar. But for two families on the East Rand, the rain delivered devastating news: a fatal crash on the N12 Comaro on-ramp claimed two lives just after 4am.

The accident, which involved a sedan and an SUV heading east towards Ekurhuleni, unfolded in the kind of conditions every Joburg driver dreads heavy downpours, poor visibility and howling winds that have battered large parts of the province since the weekend.

As emergency responders worked under the glare of flashing lights, traffic began building behind them. And with OR Tambo International Airport just minutes away, authorities have warned of major delays for commuters rushing to catch morning flights.

A Chaotic Morning on Gauteng Roads

According to Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesperson Maswati Mdluli, fire and rescue crews arrived within minutes. But the scene was grim.

“Two vehicles, a sedan and an SUV, were involved,” he said.
“The driver of the sedan lost his life, and one passenger from the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene.”

The Jaws of Life had to be used to free one of the bodies trapped in the wreckage. Three other patients one critical and two seriously injured were transported to local hospitals.

The Gauteng Forensic Pathology Services have since removed the deceased, and the EMPD has opened an investigation into the cause of the crash.

A Province Battling the Elements

This morning’s tragedy comes as the province continues to grapple with persistent heavy rain, stretching emergency resources thin. Over the past 48 hours, Gauteng and parts of KwaZulu-Natal have reported:

• Flooded roads

• Fallen trees

• Power outages

• Damaged infrastructure

• Multiple weather-related accidents

Residents on social media described the conditions as “chaotic” and “dangerously unpredictable”, with some urging fellow drivers to avoid highways entirely until rainfall eases.

For many Joburgers, the relentless rain evokes memories of previous seasons when severe storms crippled traffic, flooded low-lying suburbs and caused multi-car pileups. This year is beginning to look no different.

Officials Urge Patience And Caution

With rainfall showing no sign of slowing down, Mdluli emphasised the need for extreme caution on the roads.

“Heavy rains are continuing to pour in the city, causing poor visibility and slippery surfaces,” he said.
“We encourage everyone to be patient and tolerant of the situation on the road to ensure a safe arrival at their destinations.”

He also confirmed that the City of Ekurhuleni remains on high alert, responding to emergency calls around the clock. Residents needing urgent help can contact emergency services at 011-458-0911.

Travel Advisory for OR Tambo Commuters

Motorists travelling to OR Tambo International Airport this morning, particularly those using the N12, N3 or R24, have been advised to leave significantly earlier than usual.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has previously warned that severe weather can cause:

• Slower traffic flow

• Longer security queues

• Delayed drop-offs

• Diversions to alternative routes

With thousands of travellers moving through OR Tambo daily, even a single major crash can create ripple-effect congestion across the East Rand.

A Season Starting on a Somber Note

The summer rainfall season is barely underway, but this morning’s tragedy is a sobering reminder of how unforgiving Gauteng storms can be. For two families, the rain didn’t just bring inconvenience, it brought heartbreak.

As authorities continue urging caution, the hope is that commuters take the warnings seriously, slow down, and treat the province’s weather with the respect it demands.

{Source: The Citizen}

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