A DEVASTATING suspected gas explosion struck Bree Street, one of Johannesburg’s busiest thoroughfares, on Wednesday, claiming the life of one person and leaving approximately 50 others injured, as confirmed by officials on Thursday.
The incident unfolded after 5 p.m. local time (1500 GMT), during rush hour, when countless individuals were hurrying to catch minibus taxis for their journey home from work. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi reported the tragic event and disclosed that the area surrounding the blast site, along with sections of adjacent streets, has been cordoned off to secure the scene.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene as the explosion’s force overturned several passenger vehicles, and the street’s surface appeared as if it had been ravaged by an earthquake.
Bree Street is a critical transportation hub with a taxi terminal where thousands of commuters routinely board minibus taxis for their daily journeys to homes, schools, and workplaces. The incident has caused significant disruption and concern among the city’s residents.
Premier Lesufi assured the public that authorities are diligently investigating the cause of the explosion, enlisting the expertise of multiple specialists to determine the root of the catastrophe. The Egoli gas company, responsible for an underground pipeline network in Johannesburg, stated that its network remained unaffected by the incident.
Efforts to safeguard vulnerable members of the community have been implemented, with homeless individuals promptly evacuated to a secure area. Moreover, residents residing in flats along Bree Street have been advised to evacuate their buildings as a precautionary measure.
This unfortunate incident follows a recent tragedy earlier this month, where at least 16 individuals lost their lives due to a suspected gas cylinder leak at an informal settlement near Johannesburg’s suburb of Boksburg. Investigations into that incident are still ongoing, with authorities examining a nitrate oxide gas cylinder that was discovered at the Angelo informal settlement, suspected to have been utilized by illegal miners for gold extraction.
As Johannesburg grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic event, the city remains united in its efforts to provide support and assistance to those affected. The full extent of the damage and the circumstances leading to the explosion are currently under investigation, and authorities will continue to work diligently to ensure the safety and security of the city’s residents.