The heart of Johannesburg’s Central Business District (CBD) was rattled once more today as a gas explosion occurred at the corner of Bertha and De Korte streets in Braamfontein, rekindling fears over gas pipeline safety in the city.
The explosion occurred at approximately 15:30 on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. It has raised gas pipeline safety concerns among residents and authorities alike.
A building and a truck caught fire after the explosion.
WATCH : A fire broke out in Braamfontein between corner Bertha and de Korte. @TimesLIVE pic.twitter.com/vUDrsrYwbx
— Thabo Tshabalala (@Thabo_Tshaba) September 5, 2023
Cause of Explosion
Preliminary reports suggest that a gas pipeline incident was the root cause of the explosion.
Nana Radebe-Kgiba, spokesperson for Joburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS), has confirmed that the subsequent fire has been successfully extinguished.
Notably, officials from Egoli Gas were reportedly busy working on the pipeline in close proximity to the affected building at the time of the incident.
A Pattern Emerges
This incident echoes a gas explosion that occurred just a month ago on Lilian Ngoyi Street, formerly known as Bree Street.
In-depth investigations revealed that methane gas was responsible for that explosion, which inflicted substantial damage to the area.
Estimates for road repairs alone following the Lilian Ngoyi Street incident stand at a staggering R178 million.
To date, R4 million has been allocated for securing the area, bringing in specialists, and providing for nearby residents affected by the blast.
Marshalltown Inferno’s Lingering Shadow
Adding to Johannesburg’s recent woes, the city is still grappling with the aftermath of a devastating inferno that consumed an abandoned building in Marshalltown.
Tragically, the blaze claimed the lives of 77 illegal occupants, and there remains the possibility of further casualties as the situation continues to be assessed.
In direct response to the Marshalltown tragedy, the City of Johannesburg launched an intensive campaign aimed at addressing hijacked buildings and assessing their safety.
This crucial initiative seeks to avert future disasters and safeguard the well-being of vulnerable occupants.
As Johannesburg grapples with these recurring gas-related incidents, concerns about the city’s infrastructure and safety measures remain at the forefront of public discourse.
Authorities and stakeholders are now under increased pressure to ensure the safety and security of the city’s residents and infrastructure.
♦️Must Watch♦️
The @CityofJoburgZA MMC for Public Safety Dr @MTshwaku is at a scene where fire has broken out at Cnr Bertha and De Korte street in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
-There seems to be an explosion at a manhole where the gas pipes belong to Egoli Gas @EgoliGas.… pic.twitter.com/u0RlkdaGCY
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) September 5, 2023
