A suspected gas line explosion in the Johannesburg CBD on Wednesday night left several people injured and caused significant damage to the area.
UPDATE 2: On Thursday, 20 July 2023, the Johannesburg Road Agency confirmed several road closures “to allow emergency and other critical services.” See the list of road closures below.
- Simmonds Street and Bree Street
- Harrison Street and Bree Street
- Loveday Street (on both sides)
UPDATE: In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Egoli Gas revealed that preliminary investigation outcomes suggest that “it is unlikely that the explosion in Bree Street, Johannesburg was caused by a gas pipeline or leak.” See the official statement from Egoli Gas below.
Johannesburg gas line explosion: Here’s everything we know
Authorities and emergency services swiftly responded to the incident, providing assistance and implementing road closures for public safety.
Extent of Injuries and Emergency Response
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed that nine individuals sustained injuries and were promptly transported to hospitals in the city centre.
Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported at this stage. The injured individuals received medical attention from paramedics and emergency medical services on-site. ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring stated that the injuries ranged from minor to moderate, with no fatal injuries reported thus far.
“Reports thus far show that no one has sustained any fatal injuries,” Meiring said.
The Scene of the Incident
The gas line explosion resulted in a chaotic scene at the intersection of Lillian Ngoyi and Eloff streets.
According to Netcare911’s Sarah Kekana, the area was designated a “red zone,” and paramedics were instructed to temporarily stand down due to safety concerns.
The explosion caused part of the road to sink, leaving gaping cracks in the tar. Furthermore, vehicles were overturned, and a massive sinkhole trapped four vehicles.
Search-and-Rescue Operation and Road Closures
Emergency responders, including Gauteng emergency medical services, were conducting a search-and-rescue operation to locate and assist any potentially trapped individuals when this article was published.
Due to the unstable conditions of the affected area, resources have been redirected to the western side of Lilian Ngoyi Street for patient access.
A command centre has been established at the corner of Lilian Ngoyi Street and Bree Street to coordinate operations. The entire area remains unstable, and officials have advised against entry for safety reasons.
Impact on Surrounding Buildings and Residents
The suspected gas line explosion has caused severe damage to the vicinity, prompting authorities to order residents living in close proximity to the epicentre to evacuate.
Officials are redirecting residents away from the affected area and encouraging those further away to return home.
The Johannesburg Road Agency has deemed the extent of the damage as significant, emphasising the need for caution and cooperation.
Investigation and Safety Measures
Egoli Gas technicians were also on-site to guide officials handling the explosion’s aftermath.
Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
This is a developing story. See images and videos of the incident below.
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