UPDATE – The Latest on this Story.
The Incident
On July 19, 2023, a powerful explosion shook Bree Street, which is part of the Central Business District (CBD) in Johannesburg, South Africa, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The incident occurred in the evening when people were returning home after work. The explosion caused parts of Lilian Ngoyi Street (formerly Bree Street) to collapse, resulting in injuries to at least a dozen people, who were quickly rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
Initial Suspicions and Response
Authorities initially suspected a gas line explosion as the cause of the disaster. Emergency services, including disaster management personnel, firefighters, and police, immediately responded to the scene and attempted to cordon off the affected area. The response was swift and comprehensive, demonstrating a significant improvement in disaster management compared to previous incidents in the region.
The video we've all be waiting for, the moment of the #BreeStreet explosion. pic.twitter.com/lN8jDyFEfs
— Cliff - That's All 🛜 (@PigSpotter) July 20, 2023
Investigation and Gas Line Concerns
While the suspected cause of the explosion was a gas line, it was essential to investigate the matter further to determine the actual reasons behind the incident. However, Egoli Gas, responsible for managing municipal gas lines in the city, stated that their network had not experienced any pressure loss, indicating that their pipelines remained intact. Moreover, gas lines typically run beneath pavements at low pressure, making it unlikely that they would cause such an explosion.
Illegal Mining Operations as Possible Cause
Apart from the gas line suspicion, authorities also considered illegal mining operations conducted in and around the Johannesburg CBD as a potential cause for the explosion. However, a conclusive determination was yet to be made by investigators at the time of reporting.
Evacuation and Structural Damage
In the aftermath of the explosion, bystanders and residents were evacuated from nearby buildings as a precautionary measure. There were concerns about the structural integrity of certain buildings, particularly the Bree substation, which was suspected to be affected by the blast. City Power reported that the Bree, Braamfontein, and Johnware substations remained offline until clearance was given by the Joint Command Team, comprising various emergency services and disaster management units.
City Manager’s Statement
Johannesburg City Manager, Floyd Brink, assured the public that the situation was under control, dispelling any immediate fears of another explosion. Nevertheless, search and rescue operations continued as authorities sought to understand the full extent of the incident.
Conclusion
The explosion in the Johannesburg CBD caused significant damage to Lilian Ngoyi Street and injured several people. While initial suspicions pointed to a gas line explosion, further investigation was necessary to determine the actual cause. Authorities promptly responded to the incident, evacuating residents and establishing a joint operations committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation. The incident highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and efficient emergency response in urban centers.
