Underground secrets and the ‘smell of gas’: 13 stories on the Joburg CBD explosion

An underground explosion on Bree Street in the Johannesburg CBD has led to one death, dozens of injuries and widespread chaos.

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) said the explosion occurred between Bree and Simmonds Streets on Wednesday evening.

Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanada and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi visited the scene to assess the damage. Those in the area were advised to wear a mask, amid fears of a gas leak or further structural damage.

Speaking to the media on Thursday morning, Lesufi said authorities were still investigating the cause of the explosion.

Here are stories you need to read about the explosion and the aftermath:

Underground secrets unveiled

In the aftermath of the explosion, it was thought it may have been caused by a mystery gas coming from underground tunnels, sealed with concrete manhole covers.

@GaySpeakNews on Twitter told The Citizen they had spoken to an engineer, who noted “there are sewers as broad as a room below the streets”.

“The metal covers were stolen, so the council closed the ventilation ducts with concrete. No ventilation can happen = methane explosion,” the organisation said.

Lesufi said a preliminary report by the department indicated there may be similarities to an incident that occurred in 2010, also in Johannesburg.

READ: Joburg CBD explosion: Underground secrets unveiled

How businesses at the epicentre of Joburg CBD explosion are picking up the pieces

Joburg CBD business owners at the epicentre of the explosion told The Citizen how they are coping in the aftermath of an explosion.

The incident happened right in front of Akhona Furnishers owner Ibrahim Hassan’s shop. He did not open on Thursday morning due to roads being blocked pending ongoing investigations into the cause of the explosion.  He said he was unsure when he’ll be able to reopen.

Meanwhile the National Taxi Alliance warned road closures could threaten jobs.

READ: How businesses at the epicentre of Joburg CBD explosion are picking up the pieces

WATCH: The ‘moment’ the explosion happened

CCTV footage supposedly showing the moment an explosion hit the Johannesburg CBD was shared online.

In it, street vendors and taxi drivers could be seen conducting business when suddenly the ground lifts and a row of taxis are propelled into the air.

READ: WATCH: ‘Moment’ Joburg CBD explosion hit

WATCH: Taxi driver tells how cars flew around him when explosion hit Joburg CBD

Teacher Labane, who still had bloodied hands 15 hours after the explosion, was seen trying to rescue his taxi.

Explaining the events of Wednesday, Lebane said there was a sudden loud bang and then he started seeing cars lifting into the air around him.

“There was not even a sign that something was about to happen. There was just a sudden loud bang, then I saw a huge blue flame-like lighting,” he said.

READ: WATCH: Taxi driver tells how cars flew around him when explosion hit Joburg CBD

WATCH: Chaos on the ground

Videos and images of the damaged caused by the explosion were shared online, showing taxis and private vehicles overturned.

Massive cracks, damages and gaping holes were spotted on the road surface, as onlookers

READ: WATCH: Scores injured after suspected gas line explosion in Johannesburg CBD

Residents evacuated and injured rushed to hospital

Authorities called on residents and motorists to avoid the areas as investigations into the incident got underway. Those on the scene were told to wear masks as a preventative measure against possible exposure to harmful gasses.

The injured were rushed to surrounding hospitals, including Hillbrow, South Rand, Garden City, Charlotte Maxeke, and Mulbarton hospitals

READ: Joburg CBD explosion: Emergency services evacuating people due to gas risk

Dead body found under car

Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) confirmed they recovered a body from the scene, with Lesufi adding the victim was found under a car in the wreckage.

“Unfortunately, during the process of handing over the vehicles that were affected to their owners we found the body of a male underneath the cars. The body has not been identified and we are trying to locate relatives and family members.”

He said the number of injured was 48, with 12 still in hospital.

READ: Joburg CBD Explosion: One dead, 48 injured after blast

Claims missing child ‘possibly underground’

Gauteng Police Commissioner Elias Mawela confirmed police are following up on claims by residents that a child was hit by debris during the explosion.

“People say the child may be deceased or underground,” Mawela said during a briefing, adding that no parents had come forward to report their child as missing.

READ: Joburg CBD explosion: Saps respond to claims of missing child ‘possibly underground’

‘Unlikely Joburg explosion caused by gas leak’

Amid concerns it may have been a gas explosion, Egoli Gas said its gas network remained intact, with no pressure loss that may have indicated an incident.

“Our customers in the area continue to receive gas uninterrupted.

“Initial reports have shown the collapse in the road to be mainly in the center. Our gas pipelines are located in the road servitudes on the sides of roads,” Egoli Gas said.

READ: ‘Unlikely Joburg explosion caused by gas leak’ – Egoli Gas

No lights and ‘the smell of gas’

Addressing the media, Lesufi said it was “common knowledge there is a high smell of gas” at the scene of the explosion.

“Environmental Health is assessing the gas leaks. Even though Egoli Gas insists that it is not their pipeline, but you all know that is now common knowledge that there is a high smell of gas in the entire area.

“So, the teams from environmental health, are assisting us to determine where this gas pipeline is,” Lesufi said.

READ: No lights and ‘the high smell of gas’ morning after the Joburg CBD explosion

Patients not showing symptoms of gas inhalation

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said none of patients injured in the explosion had been affected by gas.
This was confirmed by trauma surgeon and chairman of the Disaster Centre, Professor Maeyane Moeng on Thursday at the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg.

“Just to confirm, none of the patients have got any evidence of inhalation from what we have seen at our hospital”.

READ: Patients not showing signs of gas inhalation

What South Africans said on social media

The explosion soon dominated conversation online, as South Africans shared their shock and concern.

Among the reactions were questions over disaster response and whether the rebuild would be corruption-free.

READ: ‘Edwin Sodi’s next tender’: Mzansi reacts to Joburg CBD explosion

MAP: Roads to avoid

Several major roads in the Joburg CBD remained closed on Friday morning, with JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla saying severe traffic congestion was expected.

Lilian Ngoyi (formerly Bree) Street in the Johannesburg CBD was closed off to traffic between Pixley Ka Seme (formerly Sauer) and Von Wielligh Street, with streets crossing Lilian Ngoyi Street between Rahima Moosa and Plein streets also closed.

The Citizens handy interactive map will help you avoid road closures in the aftermath of the Joburg CBD explosion.

READ: MAP: Avoid these roads affected by Joburg CBD blast