KZN Transport MEC pleads with motorists to alert road traffic inspectorate when they spot fires along the freeway

JOHANNESBURG - KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma is pleading with motorists to alert the road traffic inspectorate when approaching uncontrolled fires along the freeway.

The call comes after smoke coming from an uncontrolled fire caused a multi-vehicle pile-up on the R34 freeway in Utrecht.

Two people suffered injuries in the incident and were rushed to a nearby hospital.

The MEC's spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said that controlled fires were important for land management; however, with the dry winter months, badly controlled fires became dangerous.

"When approaching uncontrolled fires, the MEC has requested motorists to do the following: if visibility becomes very poor, motorists must not attempt to drive through. They must ensure that they stop to avoid colliding with a stationary vehicle. Motorists must put on headlights and hazards so that they are as visible as possible to other vehicles, particularly emergency workers and firefighters."