An explosion destroyed parts of Bree Street in the Johannesburg CBD as well as several vehicles just after 17:00. Although unconfirmed it is suspected that underground gas lines may be responsible for the explosion.

Bedford Edenvale News reported that shortly before 19:00, a 1km evacuation zone was initiated and emergency services are evacuating people in the area due to the risk the presence of gas holds.

Also Read: Watch: Explosion on Bree Street possibly linked to gas line

Premier Panyaza Lesufi has urged people to avoid the area and says his team is managing the situation.

Our team is managing this chaotic situation pic.twitter.com/75YY1Exb8k

— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) July 19, 2023

According to eNCA the explosion happened near Eloff Street. Reporter Heidi Giokos tweeted that an eyewitness was crossing the street when she suddenly heard a loud bang. She missed the explosion by seconds.

BREAKING: A suspect gas explosion in Bree Street in Johannesburg CBD. One eyewitness has told me she missed it by seconds. She was crossing the street and suddenly heard a huge bang. Some people stuck inside taxis. #eNCA pic.twitter.com/W7oXbdKan1

— Heidi Giokos (@HeidiGiokos) July 19, 2023

ER24 said in a statement that people with minor to moderate injuries were treated.

At this stage, no deaths have been confirmed.

[UPDATE] – Initial reports show that several people sustained minor to moderate injuries. No fatalities have been reported thus far. pic.twitter.com/M8NmYTzR65

— ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd. (@ER24EMS) July 19, 2023

Reports of an underground gas line explosion in the JHB CBD. pic.twitter.com/rz7KNQTl1G

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) July 19, 2023