Huguenot Tunnel closure extended after bus explosion on N1
Huguenot Tunnel on N1 highway. Photo Credit- News24
The Huguenot Tunnel on the N1 highway near Paarl in the Western Cape will remain fully closed on Saturday, October 4, 2025, following a dramatic explosion of a bus inside the northbound tube on Friday morning. The incident, which occurred around 7:30am, involved a Golden Arrow Bus Services vehicle carrying passengers, resulting in a fireball that engulfed the tunnel and caused significant structural damage. Emergency services, including fire crews from Paarl and Wellington, rushed to the scene, extinguishing the blaze after several hours of effort. Initial reports indicated no fatalities, but several passengers sustained minor injuries and were treated on-site; the exact number of people on board remains unconfirmed as investigations continue. Eyewitnesses described a deafening blast and thick smoke billowing from the tunnel, forcing a complete shutdown of both directions to allow for safety assessments.
Western Cape traffic authorities and the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) confirmed the extended closure late Friday, citing ongoing evaluations of the tunnel’s integrity, including ventilation systems, electrical infrastructure, and potential fire damage to the concrete lining. The northbound tube, where the explosion happened, suffered the brunt of the impact, with debris and soot complicating cleanup efforts. Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes such as the R300 and R44 via Stellenbosch, adding up to two hours to journeys between Cape Town and inland areas. Sanral spokesperson Reginal Petersen stated, “Safety is paramount; we cannot risk reopening until engineers give the all-clear.” The closure disrupts thousands of weekend travelers, including those heading to the Winelands or Gauteng, amid peak spring traffic.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the Western Cape Government and independent experts, with preliminary theories pointing to a fuel leak or mechanical failure in the bus’s engine compartment, exacerbated by the confined tunnel environment. Golden Arrow Bus Services has launched an internal probe and expressed relief at the absence of serious injuries, while committing to cooperate fully. This event echoes past incidents in the 3.9km-long Huguenot Tunnel, a critical artery built in 1988, which has seen closures for maintenance but rarely for accidents of this scale. Officials urge patience from the public, promising updates via Sanral’s app and social channels, as repairs could extend into next week depending on findings.
FAQs on Huguenot Tunnel Closure
When did the bus explosion occur at Huguenot Tunnel?
The explosion happened around 7:30am on Friday, October 3, 2025, inside the northbound tube of the tunnel near Paarl.
How long will the Huguenot Tunnel be closed?
It will remain fully closed on Saturday, October 4, 2025, with potential extensions into next week pending engineering assessments.
Were there any injuries or fatalities from the incident?
No fatalities were reported, but several passengers suffered minor injuries and received on-site treatment.
What are the recommended alternative routes during the closure?
Drivers should use the R300 and R44 via Stellenbosch, which may add up to two hours to travel times between Cape Town and inland destinations.
What is believed to have caused the bus explosion?
Preliminary investigations suggest a possible fuel leak or mechanical failure in the bus’s engine, though a full probe by authorities and Golden Arrow Bus Services is ongoing.
