Eyewitness on Bree Street Collapse: “Road Split Open Like a Volcano”

Eyewitnesses in the Johannesburg CBD reported a harrowing incident on Wednesday, as they heard a loud explosion and witnessed vehicles overturning, suggesting an underground gas explosion. Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, addressed the media on Thursday morning, confirming the tragic toll: one person deceased, 48 injured, with 12 still hospitalised, following the destructive blast that struck Bree Street as reported by the SABC News.

‘A loud bang’

Tiny Khumalo, a resident of Bree Street living in a wheelchair-accessible apartment, recounted her terrifying experience. She had been about to enter the building when the explosion occurred from behind. Stunned, she likened the sound to a car accident but realised it was far more severe as she saw the road crack open, resembling the eruption of a volcano. Her first thought was of her children, and she rushed indoors, banging on the doors and screaming, desperate to ensure their safety.

Also Read: BREE STREET ROCKED: Gas Explosion Unleashes Chaos in Johannesburg CBD

Taxis overturned with passengers inside

Anelisa Mpisani, another eyewitness, described how he was standing on Bree Street when the explosion unfolded. He recounted the sight of vehicles and taxis overturning in the chaos. Shockingly, some taxis had passengers inside, making the situation even more dire. The road appeared to split open, and smoke emanated from the ground, suggesting a significant underground pipe explosion, unleashing immense pressure and power. The fumes were so strong that even near the site made people feel dizzy.

Smell of gas

Witnesses reported the presence of a gas odour after the explosion. In response to the incident, Premier Lesufi visited the scene last night and initiated the evacuation of buildings around the epicentre of the blast.

City Power technicians, led by spokesperson Isaac Mangena, were on-site to assess the situation. They discovered that underground electrical cables and water pipes run parallel at the epicentre. Additionally, a substation supplies electricity to much of the inner city north of Bree Street. The technicians were actively investigating if the substation was affected by the explosion.

Johannesburg City Manager, Floyd Brink, outlined the immediate action plan, stating that search and rescue efforts were ongoing. Their priority was also to check the structural integrity of surrounding buildings to facilitate the safe evacuation of residents. Disaster management and emergency personnel were on-site to manage the situation.

As the night unfolded, some tenants from nearby buildings were seen leaving with their belongings, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and support those affected by this devastating gas explosion.

Joburg CBD Explosion Update: Body recovered by @CityofJoburgEMS Firefighters,#41 other patients treated for serious to minor injuries on scene and later transported to various health care facilities for further medical care. @CityofJoburgZA @CoJPublicSafety #JoburgBravest pic.twitter.com/cExwlrlJ08

— Cojems Spokesperson (@RobertMulaudzi) July 20, 2023

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Photo: Facebook / @SABC News