(Scypre.com) – An apparent gas explosion has shaken Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, resulting in the loss of life for one individual and leaving dozens with injuries. The authorities in Johannesburg are actively investigating the incident’s cause, which led to the tragic death of a man found beneath a vehicle by firefighters.
Apart from the fatality, it is reported that around 48 individuals sustained injuries. The circumstances surrounding the explosion that occurred during the evening rush hour in downtown Johannesburg on Wednesday remain unclear. Initially, suspicions were cast upon the underground pipelines provided by the gas company servicing the area, but this theory has been refuted by the company.
The city’s authorities have initiated a thorough investigation, enlisting the expertise of specialists to ascertain the presence of any other subterranean pipelines or cables in the vicinity. Their goal is to determine whether there is a risk of further explosions or gas leaks.
Panyaza Lesufi, the premier of Gauteng province where Johannesburg is situated, stated, “We are still searching for the source.” The impact of the explosion was extensive, causing damage to an area spanning five city blocks and affecting a minimum of six roads. Approximately 34 vehicles were harmed, with some overturned or stacked atop others. The aftermath presented a scene reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic scenario, marked by deep crevices appearing in the roadways.
The incident transpired just before 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, coinciding with the time when many individuals were congregating on the streets, preparing to catch minibus taxis, a prevalent mode of transportation in South Africa. A majority of the vehicles that suffered damage were minibus taxis. Eyewitnesses recounted how some passengers were propelled into the air by the force of the explosion while inside these buses.
One individual, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted to the television station eNCA that he was driving his car when he heard “a loud noise. Suddenly, I was airborne, and my car was overturning.”
Despite the unsettling experience, he confirmed that he remained physically unharmed. This incident follows closely after another explosion on the eastern outskirts of Johannesburg, which claimed the lives of 17 individuals, including three children aged 1, 5, and 15. Authorities have attributed this earlier explosion to a hazardous gas leak allegedly linked to an illegal gold processing operation.