Another gas explosion on the corner of Bertha and De Korte streets in Braamfontein.

By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

City of Johannesburg has experienced another explosion this afternoon, this time around, on the corner of Bertha and De Korte streets in Braamfontein.

It is understood a truck and building were on fire in Braamfontein in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Nana Radebe-Kgiba, Joburg EMS spokesperson has confirmed that the fire has been contained. She added that Egoli Gas officials were working close to the building when it caught fire.

“Five people were injured and have been taken to different medical facilities around the city,” Radebe said.

The area has been cordoned off by emergency services, and the cause of the explosion is still under investigation. However, it is believed that the gas leak may have been caused by a construction project in the area.

The explosion has caused widespread disruption in Braamfontein, and several roads have been closed. Businesses in the area have also been forced to close their doors.

The City of Johannesburg has urged residents to avoid the area and to stay safe.

Meanwhile Egoli Gas has assured residents in a statement released following the incident that the gas pipeline was immediately isolated and that they have been working closely with the city of Johannesburg since the Bree Street explosion in July 2023 to ensure the safety of the city.

“This involves exposing sections of the pipeline and sleeving to ensure the integrity of the network.”

Floyd Brink, the City of Johannesburg municipal manager who was also at the scene, described the maintenance performed by Egoli Gas as preventative maintenance, which is being carried out in different parts of the city following the Joburg Bree Street explosion.

Furthermore, Brink has expressed relief that the fire incident following the explosion has not resulted in the loss of life.

“It will be Egoli Gas and not the city who will decide what is going to happen in terms of repairing the affected parts of the building. We are waiting for a final report from Egoli Gas for that to happen, and the liability and other things will most probably be on their side,” Brink said.

In collaboration with the Johannesburg executive team, Egoli Gas will be putting extra measures in place to ensure that similar incidents do not happen again.

The event follows a similar gas explosion just a month ago on Lilian Ngoyi Street (formerly Bree Street).

Investigations revealed that methane gas was the cause of the explosion. The aftermath of the Lilian Ngoyi Street incident has incurred significant costs, with an estimated R178 million required for road repairs.

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