Cape Town, 10 September 2026. The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) successfully conducted a controlled hazardous-load simulation exercise at the Huguenot Toll Tunnel near Paarl last night (Wednesday) and in the early hours of this morning (Thursday).
The Huguenot Toll Tunnel is a critical part of the Western Cape road network and accommodates a wide range of traffic, including vehicles transporting hazardous substances. The simulation was held to test and strengthen emergency preparedness for a hazardous-load incident within the tunnel environment.
“During the exercise, an empty and certified hazardous-load vehicle displaying a selected United Nations (UN) number entered the tunnel under escort conditions and stopped inside the tunnel to simulate an incident. Non-combustible smoke-generating devices were used to create reduced-visibility conditions and a realistic emergency environment for tunnel operations personnel and participating emergency services.”
“The exercise evaluated emergency response procedures, communication systems, interagency coordination, traffic-control measures, emergency access, evacuation procedures, responder decision-making and the readiness of tunnel emergency systems and equipment. Fire and Rescue Services, Law Enforcement, medical responders and tunnel operations personnel participated in the response,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Provincial Head for the Western Cape Province.
The exercise was conducted under controlled conditions and in accordance with all current safety procedures and standard operating procedures. No actual hazardous substance or uncontrolled ignition was introduced at any stage, and the exercise was scheduled during a period of historically lower traffic volumes to minimise disruption and reduce operational risks to tunnel users.
“SANRAL thanks road users for their patience and cooperation during the simulation, and acknowledges the support of all participants including, but not limited to, the tunnel personnel, traffic officials and emergency services. Findings from the simulation will be formally recorded and discussed during a post-incident debrief session, with the aim of improving emergency response readiness and the protection of all tunnel users,” added Cable.
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For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or pressoffice@nra.co.za