In South Africa, an explosion hit the center of Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon, July 19, at rush hour, tearing the roadway off a traffic axis and injuring around 40 people, authorities said in the evening. The origin of the explosion is, at this stage, unknown.
Emergency services initially pointed to a possible explosion of underground gas pipes, but the Egoli gas company said in the evening that it was “unlikely” that the explosion which split the street, collapsing the pavement and overturning several vehicles, including taxis, “was caused by a gas pipe or a leak”. “Our network has not suffered any loss of pressure, which indicates that the pipes are intact. Our customers in the area continue to receive gas without interruption,” the company added in a statement.
“It’s a miracle that there were no deaths,” said Panyaza Lesufi, premier of Gauteng province, which includes Johannesburg and Pretoria, commenting on the spot, adding that 41 people were injured, including two in critical condition, nine serious and 30 light.
He considered that the first elements of the investigation do not allow for the moment to “understand the cause” of the explosion. The situation “is completely under control,” he added, adding that a perimeter had been set up. Investigators will “thoroughly inspect and notify us.” “The damage is impressive” and will be assessed, he added.