Linden police spokesperson Constable Carol Mulamu confirmed this tragic death.
“It is alleged that between 12.30am and 1am Friday morning, 20 June, a 19-year-old man was driving home when he collided with a stationary vehicle on the road in Victory Park,” she said.
“Police are investigating an inquest docket after the young man was hit by an electric pylon and caught fire.”
According to Mulamu, Emergency Services declared him dead at the scene.
According to a CAP Security official, known to the Gazette, the security company was first to respond to the incident and on arrival the man was on fire.
“One of our clients called us after hearing a strange bang and screams,” he said.
“We had to use fire extinguishers to put out the fire but nothing could be done to save him, he died on the scene.”
Confirming the death of the young man, Ward 117 Councilor Tim Truluck said this was the second most bizarre death he had heard of to have occurred in his ward since becoming ward councilor.
“A few years ago, a man in my ward was electrocuted by lightning while taking a shower,” said Truluck.
Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi said the department did not respond to the call and could not comment on the issue.