WATCH: Robbers blow up cash-in-transit van

“A member of public was transported by ER24 from the scene to a nearby hospital. He sustained minor injuries when he was injured by debris during the explosion,” ER24 spokesman Werner Vermaak said.

Three people were assessed by paramedics for injuries after the heist occurred on the R24 near Barbara Road in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, he said.

“Shortly before after 11am paramedics from ER24 arrived on the scene where they found a security van that was blown apart. Two security guards were found on the scene. Both were assessed by the paramedics and found with no physical injuries.

“A secondary incident occurred when flying debris landed on a vehicle during the explosion. The driver of the vehicle was assessed but also found with no physical injuries,” he said.

A group of suspects, travelling in a BMW and Mercedes-Benz, confronted the van at about 11.40am on the R24 near Barbara Road towards the airport, the SA Police said in a statement.

The suspects shot out a tyre of the van on the busy highway before confronting the guards.

The guards were forced out of the vehicle before the suspects blew up the van with explosives. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of money in cash boxes and one of the guard’s firearm.

They then fled from the scene in two vehicles. The guards were not injured.

Pandemonium broke out on the highway. The video posted on social media shows cars making a U-turn to get away from the scene.

Commenting on Kempton Express’ first story, Francina Maasz said: “We passed in the opposite direction when it happened. It was like a war zone, terrible to see.”

Corrie Breytenbach said she heard the bang at her house in Rhodesfield.