One person has been confirmed dead and 41 others injured after a suspected gas explosion shook downtown Johannesburg during Wednesday’s evening rush hour. The incident caused widespread damage, flipping vehicles and tearing open roads in the heart of South Africa’s largest city.
Authorities and emergency services have been investigating the cause of the blast, and initial suspicions pointed towards underground gas pipelines. However, the company responsible for supplying gas to the area denied any involvement in the explosion, leaving the actual cause still uncertain.
The body of the deceased was found during a nighttime search in the blast area, conducted by Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services. As a precautionary measure, some residents were evacuated due to fears of another potential explosion or building collapses in the affected area.
Panyaza Lesufi, the premier of Gauteng province, where Johannesburg is located, stated that 12 people remained hospitalized for medical treatment, while the other 36 injured had been discharged after receiving medical care.
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The damage caused by the explosion was extensive, with an estimated area covering five city blocks affected, and at least six roads damaged. The incident caused significant harm to vehicles, particularly minibus taxis, a popular mode of commuting in South Africa. Witnesses reported seeing people inside the taxis thrown into the air by the force of the explosion.
As authorities continue their investigation and assess the extent of the damage, residents and workers have returned to the area in the central business district on Thursday. Specialists are now working to determine the presence of other underground pipes or cables that could pose a threat of further explosions or gas leaks.
With the situation still under investigation, the affected community is left grappling with the aftermath of the devastating incident, hoping for answers and measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
