On July 19, 2023, Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, experienced a massive gas explosion that wreaked havoc similar to that of an earthquake. Streets were torn apart, structures were destroyed, and vehicles were thrown into the air by the force of the blast.
According to a BBC report, one person lost their life, and 48 others sustained injuries in the incident that occurred on Wednesday night.
Authorities in the Gauteng province are still investigating the cause of the explosion, but initial suspicions point to a possible rupture of underground gas pipes.
Panyaza Lesufi, the premier of Gauteng province, stated on Thursday that 12 of the injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital. Several streets in Johannesburg have been closed to traffic, and emergency services remain on-site to assess the damage and evacuate people as needed.
Witnesses reported feeling the ground shake and hearing loud bangs just before a section of Breet Street collapsed, creating a vertical split in the road.
The aftermath of the explosion revealed around 20 vehicles lying on the sides of the street, severely damaged by the force of the blast.