Gas explosion in South Africa: 1 killed, 41 injured in Johannesburg

Gas explosion in South Africa: At least one person was killed while 41 others were injured in an underground gas explosion that hit South Africa's Johannesburg central business district on Wednesday night. 

Taking to Twitter handle, a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for public safety in Johannesburg said, "The MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcinni Tshwaku was on the scene last night when an underground gas explosion hit Joburg CBD last night. Emergency services were deployed to access the cause of the explosion and the extent of the damage."

As per the data collected, 41 injured patients have been treated for serious to minor injuries on scene and later transported to various health care facilities for further medical care. 

Panic and chaos in South Africa

The explosion caused panic, splitting a busy street open and leaving many vehicles damaged, with some blown off the road by the force of the blast. 

The Joburg metro police department (JMPD) has confirmed the closure of several roads in the CBD as a result of the explosion.

Meanwhile, street are also closed off to traffic between Pixely Ka Seme (Sauer) and Von Weilligh Street, and to also expect closures on all the streets crossing Lilian Ngoyi Street between Rahima Moosa and Plein Street, and these include Simmonds Street, Harrison Street, Loveday Street, Rissik Street, Joubert Street, Eloff Street and Von Brandis Street.

The conversion of traffic will flow from east to west on Rahima Moosa Street to allow vehicles from the MTN rank to exit the CBD. The road closures will remain in place while specialists assess the extent of the damage and for the rehabilitation of the roadway.