UPDATE: Motorists urged to avoid N2 freeway

The Metro police's Eugene Msomi says Sarnia Road however - which is the bridge that runs over the highway has been re-opened after engineers assessed the road. 

This after concerns of structural damage to the bridge as a result of the blaze. 

Msomi says while the N2 north bound carriageway remains closed until further notice, officials are hoping to have the south bound carriageway open at around 4pm. 

Msomi's recommended alternate routes for those travelling in both directions.

''If you're coming from the south, going north or west towards Johannesburg, once you get to the old airport, take the M4 southbound coming into Durban. From the city you can take the N3 going up the Spaghetti Junction. 

''And if you're coming from the north using the N2 freeway, you can take the N3 towards Durban and then from the city you can take the M4 southbound - and rejoin at the old airport,'' he said.

UPDATE: The N2 south bound has been reopened, from Durban, towards Amanzimtoti. Northbound however remain closed to traffic.

(Above photo: Netcare 911)

See more photos from the scene earlier by clicking here.

(Photo: Andrias Mathios)

(Thumbnail photo: Anandran Naidoo)