Emergency services at work during suspected gas explosion in Johannesburg’s business district. Photo: Reuters
South Africa authorities have alerted that there could be a second explosion in Johannesburg’s business district, after one person died and 48 were injured in a large blast on Wednesday.
A video had shown a main road split wide open from the force of the explosion, with several vehicles blown onto their side.
It is still unclear what led to the blast; however, officials suspect an underground gas pipe is responsible.
Authorities have pleaded with the public to stay clear of the area.
The scene at Bree Street is still being treated as a potential risk area; emergency services are in the area and people are being evacuated where necessary.
Several streets have been closed to traffic and electricity supply in the area has been sealed off, in what is usually one of the busiest parts of South Africa’s commercial hub.
Writing by Hadiza Abdulrahman; Editing by Annabel Nwachukwu