Title: Powerful Blast Rocks Johannesburg, Leaving One Dead and Dozens Injured
Byline: David Propper | July 20, 2023 | 9:54pm
Shocking footage captured the terrifying moment a powerful blast rocked the streets of Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city. The explosion, which occurred during the evening rush hour, sent a line of minibuses airborne and left one man dead and 48 others injured.
Closed-circuit footage revealed the surreal underground explosion, which also resulted in a massive hole in the road with a section of pavement collapsing underneath. The blast sent a jolt throughout the streets of Johannesburg, causing panic and chaos among pedestrians.
In the video, one man can be seen scurrying away as a heavy white bus almost crushes him, narrowly escaping harm. However, tragically, another man was found pinned under a vehicle and lost his life as a result of the blast.
As of Thursday, a dozen victims remained in hospitals across the city, while 36 others had been discharged. The cause of the explosion is still unknown. Initially, authorities believed the blast was caused by an underground gas leak, but the company responsible for the gas supply denied this allegation.
To investigate further, city officials called in experts to examine other pipes and cables in the area to determine if there was a risk of another explosion or gas leak. Panyaza Lesufi, the premier of the Gauteng province, where Johannesburg is located, stated that the search for the source of the blast is ongoing.
Residents living in the vicinity were forced to evacuate due to the potential threat of another explosion or the risk of collapsing buildings. Some residents were able to return to their homes or businesses on Thursday, following safety assessments.
Authorities reported extensive damage across five city blocks, six roads, and 34 vehicles. Eyewitnesses described the blast throwing people sitting inside minibus taxis into the air. One witness, who was sitting in his car at the time, recounted hearing a loud sound before being launched into the air and experiencing his car overturning.
The investigation into the cause of the blast continues, as authorities strive to ensure the safety of residents and prevent any further incidents.