20-7-2023 (JOHANNESBERG) During the evening rush hour in Johannesburg, a suspected underground gas explosion rocked the city, causing significant damage to roads and flipping over more than 20 cars. At least nine people sustained injuries, though authorities confirmed that none were life-threatening. Concerns over a possible second explosion or the collapse of buildings in the affected downtown area led to the evacuation of nearby residents.
Panyaza Lesufi, the premier of Gauteng province where Johannesburg is located, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating that several buildings were at risk of collapsing due to the extensive damage caused by the explosion. The incident covered an area spanning five city blocks, and Lesufi reported witnessing 23 overturned vehicles. Roads were marred by massive cracks and holes, some of which were so substantial that vehicles slid into them.
The suspected cause of the explosion was gas, with the blast occurring on Bree Street in downtown Johannesburg, a bustling part of the city. However, it remains uncertain whether the gas originated from a leak in the underground pipes or from another undetermined source.
Egoli Gas, a gas supplier in Johannesburg, denied responsibility for the incident, stating that their pipelines were unlikely to be the cause of the explosion. The company confirmed that there were no supply interruptions in the area, and their investigators found no evidence of leaks.
The explosion, which happened at 5 p.m., took place when many people were gathering on the street to catch minibus taxis, a common commuting method in South African cities. The aftermath of the blast left several minibus taxis and cars flipped over or lying on top of one another. Witnesses described seeing people thrown into the air as a result of the explosion. In the immediate aftermath, smoke billowed from a crack in the road, and people were seen running for safety.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, searching through the wreckage of the overturned vehicles and nearby buildings. Panyaza Lesufi expressed concern that there might be more injured individuals, though he also expressed relief that no fatalities were reported.
Rescue workers faced the additional challenge of dealing with leaking gas, which permeated the area and raised safety concerns. The situation remained volatile, and authorities advised caution as they continued their efforts.
The incident comes on the heels of another gas-related tragedy earlier this month when a toxic nitrate gas leak from an illegal gold processing operation claimed 17 lives in an informal settlement on Johannesburg’s outskirts, including the lives of at least three children.
Suspected Gas explosion in Bree Street, Johannesburg CBD. pic.twitter.com/GqZInpx0kP
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux  (@AdvoBarryRoux) July 19, 2023
