By Khulile Thwala
There has been a massive gas explosion in the Johannesburg CBD in South Africa, causing substantial damage to nearby roads and causing sinkholes.
Reports from SA media platforms have indicated that the explosion caused cars to topple along Johannesburg’s Bree Street. Videos also circulated on social media showing cars toppled along Bree Street while bystanders stood around in shock.
According to an alert sent by the Johannesburg Joint Operating Committee of Alexandra, Midrand, Sandringham and Sandton, the explosion took place at about 5:46 pm.
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“We are aware of an explosion on Bree Street in the Johannesburg CBD possibly on the gas lines underground. At this time we request the public to stay clear of the area to allow emergency services to attend to the scene,” reads the note.
According to IOL News, Joburg Metro Police spokesperson Xolani Fihla said they had sent officers to the scene to confirm if the videos were true.
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“At this stage, we have sent officers to the scene to confirm if indeed the videos are true. At the present moment, all we know is what we have seen in the videos,” said Fihla.
Other widely recorded voice notes said affected streets in Joburg included Bree and Loveday Streets and some cars had apparently sunk underground.
Witnesses were reported to have seen a 10-metre-wide trench and a strong smell of gas in the air.
