Following a large gas explosion in the Joburg CBD just before 6 p.m. on Wednesday night, the Johannesburg Roads Agency has sent a list of roads for members of the public to avoid at all costs.
At this point, the origin of the explosion and the extent of the destruction are unknown, as JMPD traffic officers and Johannesburg EMS emergency responders have yet to explain the scope of the damage incurred.
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The Joburg Roads Department reported an explosion on Bree Street in the Johannesburg CBD, apparently caused by an underground gas pipeline.
The JRA said it had blocked off many routes and asked the public to avoid certain areas so that emergency services could operate.
Closed streets in the Johannesburg CBD include:
Simon and Bree Street
– Harrison and Bree Street
– Loveday Street on both sides
The explosion is believed to have occurred at 5.45pm on Bree Street, one of the busiest routes in the Joburg CBD, with taxis ferrying members of the public home during peak traffic.
Many videos released on social media on Wednesday evening showed overturned minibus taxis.
The JMPD says officers were dispatched to the area, and Johannesburg EMS is also present.
The magnitude of the destruction was unknown at the time.
The injuries sustained are believed to be minor to moderate.
Johannesburg Transport MMC On Twitter, Kenny Kunene stated: “We are aware of an explosion on Bree Str in the Joburg CBD possibly on the gas lines underground.
“We request the public to stay clear of the area for emergency services to attend to the scene, will update as soon as more information is available”.
JHB CBD gas explosion. pic.twitter.com/DAZgl2V21w
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) July 19, 2023
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Evening Joburg
Following the explosion that happened this afternoon at Jhb CBD, which caused the road to partially collapse. I’ll be heading there this evening, to assess the damage.
Please take note of the following road closures:
Bree & Simmons
Bree & Harrison
Loveday street pic.twitter.com/GzV6viGGsH— Exec. Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda (@KabeloGwamanda) July 19, 2023
Reports of an underground gas line explosion in the JHB CBD. pic.twitter.com/rz7KNQTl1G
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) July 19, 2023
🟥 Urgent Alert!
19 July 2023 – 17h46
We are aware of an explosion on Bree Str in Jhb CBD possibly on the gas lines underground.
We request the public to stay clear of the area for emergency services to attend to the scene, will update as soon as more information is available. pic.twitter.com/tyaVvW6Cfj— Kenny Kunene (@Kenny_T_Kunene) July 19, 2023
