Johannesburg gas explosion leaves dozen people injured

Johannesburg, Jul 19 (Prensa Latina) An explosion that shook in the evening hours a street in the downtown Johannesburg left over 30 people injured and no deaths so far, according to emergency services. Gauteng Prime Minister Panyaza Lesufi, who is at the scene with Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda, described damage to infrastructure as extensive, although "the situation is under control".

July 19, 2023
16:24

The explosion occurred near the intersection of Lilian Ngoyi (formerly Bree Street) and Simmonds streets in Johannesburg’s Central Business District (CBD) as of the evening of July 19.

Provincial authorities set up a Joint Operations Center in Mary Fitzgerald Square from where rescue operations are being coordinated. Law enforcement officials are evacuating residents near the explosion, while investigations are underway to determine the primary cause.

Egoli Gas Company said in a statement that it is unlikely that the explosion was caused by a gas pipe or leak.

Our network has not experienced any loss of pressure, which indicates that the gas pipelines are intact, the company said.

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