Mysterious explosion that split the roads
A suspicious explosion in the heart of South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, has split roads and overturned vehicles. One person died in the incident and 48 people were injured.
In the statement from the authorities about the event that occurred today, it was indicated that the explosion spread over an area of five blocks and at least six roads were damaged. While 34 vehicles were damaged due to the blast, some vehicles fell on their sides. Fire crews found the body of a man under a vehicle in the area of the explosion.
Gauteng State Premier Panyaza Lesufi said in a statement to the press that the explosion on Bree Street in downtown Johannesburg may have been caused by a leak in a natural gas pipeline that runs under the street.
The street where the explosion occurred was closed to traffic.
While the cause of the explosion remains unclear, the city’s gas supply company announced that underground pipes were not responsible for the explosion.
Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said 12 of the 48 injured were under treatment while 36 had been discharged.
Residents of the blast area were evacuated due to concerns of a second blast.