Huguenot Tunnel Closed After Devastating Bus Fire in Cape Town
The Huguenot Tunnel in Cape Town was closed on Saturday, October 4, 2025, after a bus caught fire inside, causing significant structural damage. Authorities are assessing the damage and advising motorists to use alternative routes.
Bus Fire Details and Immediate Response
The bus fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault. Drakenstein Municipality’s firefighters and the tunnel's fire team extinguished the blaze. All passengers were safely evacuated; however, one person sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized. The Breede Valley Municipality has cleared the scene, but the tunnel remains closed for a complete structural assessment by engineers.
Alternative Routes and Travel Disruptions
The Huguenot Tunnel is a crucial link on the N1 highway between Paarl and Worcester. Its closure is causing significant travel disruptions. SANRAL advises motorists to use alternative routes. Some suggested detours include the Du Toitskloof Pass, routes via Villiersdorp/Stellenbosch, Grabouw/Somerset West, Bainskloof Pass (light motor vehicles only), and Ceres/Tulbagh/Wellington. Expect delays of varying durations depending on the chosen route.
- Bellville to/from Touwsriver:
- Via Du Toitskloof Pass: +15 min (Open Intermittently due to construction)
- Via Villiersdorp/Stellenbosch: +50-55 min
- Via Grabouw/Somerset West: +50-55 min
- Via Bainskloof (light motor vehicles only): +45 min
- Via Ceres/Tulbagh/Wellington: +45 min
- Swellendam to Bellville:
- Via N2/Somerset West: +15 min
- Via Franschhoek: +35 min
SANRAL has issued an apology for the inconvenience and commits to providing updates on the tunnel's operational status.
Social Media Reactions
The incident has generated reactions on social media. Some users expressed concerns about the impact on travel, while others shared speculative theories about infrastructure sabotage.
@nyambenis: "So, for 1400km it decides to explode on that 3.9km stretch, effectively cutting off CPT."
@Maliqo: "City of Cape Town can't even provide food and water for people stucked there. People are hungry. They must open the overhead road now. More than 5 hours waiting there."
@Yondizee: "Last week it was a truck with drugs. Hayyy this tunnel suddenly."
@ComradeCadre: "They are destroying infrastructures. They want construction tenders. Next is a petrol tanker that's going to catch fire."
Previous Bus Fires in South Africa
This incident follows other recent bus fires in South Africa. In August 2025, three Greyhound buses were destroyed by fire in Boksburg near OR Tambo International Airport. In January 2025, assailants torched 50 Putco buses in Mpumalanga. A tragic bus fire on the R537 Moloto Road in 2021 resulted in six fatalities and 57 injuries.
Ongoing Investigation and Tunnel Assessment
Muneera Allie, spokesperson for the Western Cape Department of Mobility, confirmed the tunnel's closure for a thorough safety assessment. Authorities emphasize public safety and urge motorists to adhere to diversion routes. The tunnel and the Du Toitskloof Pass will remain inaccessible until further notice. The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) will keep the public informed.
