A recap of recent events on Johannesburg’s M1 highway, including an underground fire and subsequent smoke sightings.
On May 1, 2024, the M1 highway in Johannesburg experienced significant disruptions due to an underground fire. The incident, which occurred in the city centre, resulted in power outages in various suburbs. Emergency services swiftly responded to the blaze, which was attributed to cable theft.
M1 North Reopens Amidst Cable Fire Aftermath
Following an intense 18-hour battle to contain the fire, the M1 northbound lanes were reopened to traffic. However, the restoration of power to affected areas, including Braamfontein, Fordsburg, and Parktown, remained a challenge for City Power officials. Cable thieves, suspected to be the cause of the fire, left behind evidence of their attempted theft, including tools found at the scene.
WATCH || @SowetanLIVE Spokesperson at @CityPowerJhb Isaac Mangena says they will only be able to know the extent of the damage on the cables once the fire has been put out. pic.twitter.com/ieitYcMxzP
— Koena Mashale (@Koena_xM) May 1, 2024
Fire Threatens M1 Highway Structural Integrity
The severity of the situation became evident as firefighters struggled to extinguish the blaze, which threatened the structural integrity of the M1 highway double-decker bridge. Measures such as using sandbags to contain the fire and employing foam to cool down temperatures were undertaken to prevent further damage. City officials, in collaboration with emergency services, worked tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the fire on both traffic and power supply.
Impact on Surrounding Areas and Services
The consequences of the fire extended beyond traffic disruptions, with residents and businesses in Braamfontein and surrounding areas experiencing power outages. Efforts to restore electricity faced delays as officials waited for the affected infrastructure to cool down sufficiently for assessment. Meanwhile, businesses such as petrol stations and supermarkets had to resort to alternative power sources to continue operations amidst the blackout.
