Fatal Explosion Rocks Johannesburg's Business District, Authorities Fear Second Blast
One person dead and 48 injured in Johannesburg explosion, with concerns rising over second blast. Authorities investigating cause, suspecting underground gas pipe as potential source.
A devastating explosion in Johannesburg's business district has left one person dead and 48 others injured, with authorities now expressing concerns about the possibility of a second blast.
The explosion, which occurred on Wednesday, caused a main road to split wide open, with several vehicles being blown onto their side. The exact cause of the blast remains unclear, but officials suspect it may have been caused by an underground gas pipe.
The South African authorities have issued urgent pleas for the public to stay away from the affected area and have designated the scene at Bree Street as a potential risk zone.
Emergency services continue to be stationed there, working tirelessly to ensure the safety of those in the vicinity. Evacuations have been carried out as necessary and several streets have been closed off, disrupting the usually bustling heart of South Africa's commercial hub.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi of Gauteng province, which encompasses Johannesburg, disclosed on Thursday that 12 individuals are still being treated in the hospital for their injuries. A preliminary investigation into the explosion failed to determine the cause, prompting ongoing efforts to uncover what exactly happened.
Egoli Gas, a local supplier, discovered a small leak in one of their pipes, but they do not believe it to be the primary cause of the blast. As a precaution, authorities have requested that Egoli Gas inspect their other pipes in the area, focusing on a possible gas leak as the main line of investigation.
Witnesses to the explosion describe feeling the ground shake before hearing a deafening blast, followed by the ground beneath them collapsing and a section of Bree Street giving way. The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the community and raises concerns about the safety of underground infrastructure in the city.
Authorities are working tirelessly to both ensure the safety of the public and determine the cause of the explosion. Their efforts are aimed at preventing any further loss or damage from a potential second blast. In the meantime, the affected area remains cordoned off, with emergency services continuing their tireless work and residents hoping for answers to this tragic event.
