Major Recovery on the N2 After Truck Torchings
In July 2023, the Van Wettens Breakdown Services team was called to one of the most challenging recovery operations in Mpumalanga. A series of arson attacks left multiple trucks damaged and destroyed along the N2 between Piet Retief and Ermelo, forcing the closure of this critical national route.
The incidents began when four trucks were deliberately set alight in the early hours of the morning, blocking the roadway and bringing traffic to a standstill. Over the following days, the total number of torched trucks in the region rose to 20, creating widespread disruption and safety concerns.
With the N2 closed for several days, Van Wettens’ recovery crews worked around the clock to clear burnt wreckage, remove destroyed vehicles, and make the route safe for reopening. Their heavy-duty equipment and specialist teams were essential in restoring access on this vital transport corridor.
Authorities urged motorists to make use of alternative routes during the recovery process, as the N2 remained shut between Piet Retief and Ermelo for most of the operation.
This large-scale recovery not only demonstrated the resilience of Mpumalanga’s emergency response services but also highlighted the critical role Van Wettens plays in keeping South Africa’s road networks moving, even in the face of devastating and deliberate disruptions.
The incidents began when four trucks were deliberately set alight in the early hours of the morning, blocking the roadway and bringing traffic to a standstill. Over the following days, the total number of torched trucks in the region rose to 20, creating widespread disruption and safety concerns.
With the N2 closed for several days, Van Wettens’ recovery crews worked around the clock to clear burnt wreckage, remove destroyed vehicles, and make the route safe for reopening. Their heavy-duty equipment and specialist teams were essential in restoring access on this vital transport corridor.
Authorities urged motorists to make use of alternative routes during the recovery process, as the N2 remained shut between Piet Retief and Ermelo for most of the operation.
This large-scale recovery not only demonstrated the resilience of Mpumalanga’s emergency response services but also highlighted the critical role Van Wettens plays in keeping South Africa’s road networks moving, even in the face of devastating and deliberate disruptions.
