By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola has ordered the evacuation of more than 2,500 police trainees, following a gas pipeline explosion in Tshwane.
Fullview has learnt the explosion took place an adjacent business site near the SAPS Tshwane Training Academy.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, says various experts are on site to contain the fire at the adjacent business site.
Mathe said, “the National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, ordered the mass evacuation following a gas pipeline explosion at an adjacent business site near the SAPS Tshwane Training Academy in Pretoria West.
“The decision to evacuate the trainees, SAPS trainers and members from various specialised units including the Natjoints Coordination Centre was taken following advise and consultation from experts.
“It should be noted that the training academy is not affected and that the evacuation process is a precautionary measure by management.”
Mathe said a venue operational centre comprising various experts had been established under the command of the deputy national commissioner for Policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili.
#sapsHQ Various experts are on site to contain the fire at the adjacent business site. It should be noted that the training academy is not affected and that the evacuation process is a precautionary measure by SAPS management.
A venue operational centre comprising of various… pic.twitter.com/ITTFCUVdTx
— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) August 21, 2024
Motorists were advised to avoid the area. Rebecca Street is closed between Charlotte Maxeke and Carl Street in Pretoria West.
The spokesperson for Tshwane Emergency Services, Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, said they received a call at 11.48am and sent units to investigate.
“We received a call of a fire, it wasn’t reported as an explosion to us. On arrival, the district commander then asserted that it is a pipeline that is leaking and is burning and she called for more units to come and support,” he said.
Sasol, the gas provider, closed the valves in the gas pipe.
“The investigation will start shortly and the site has been isolated just to be safe, but at this stage we don’t yet know the cause,” said Sasol spokesperson Alex Anderson.
Mnguni said no injuries were reported. A 500m evacuation radius was established, and a joint operations command involving police, emergency services and other stakeholders oversaw the situation.