Video: The moment an explosion hit Johannesburg that killed 1, injured 48
By India Today World Desk: At least one person was killed and 48 people were injured after an explosion hit Johannesburg’s central business district on Wednesday. The explosion toppled minibus taxis, created a crack in the road and sent pedestrians running away from the blast.
A video of the incident shows moments of the explosion. The cause of the blast at evening rush hour Wednesday in downtown Johannesburg remained unclear.
At least one person was killed and dozens injured after an explosion hit Johannesburg’s central business district, toppling minibus taxis, creating a crack in the road and sending pedestrians running away from the blast. The cause of the explosion has not yet been confirmed pic.twitter.com/7LOugWZcHc
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 21, 2023
A man died in the explosion and firefighters found the man’s body under a vehicle.
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The company that supplies gas to that part of the city said it did not believe its underground pipelines were responsible, as authorities first thought.
An investigation into the matter was underway as city authorities brought in specialists to determine what other underground pipes or cables there were in the area and if there was a threat of another explosion or gas leak, reported news agency Associated Press.
“We are still searching for the source,” said Panyaza Lesufi, the premier of the Gauteng province, where Johannesburg is located.
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As many as 12 people remained in several Johannesburg hospitals for medical treatment. The other 36 people who were hurt had been discharged.
Some people were evacuated from the area Wednesday night due to fears of a second explosion or that multi-story buildings in a downtown section of the city might collapse. Lesufi said “the damage is extensive.”
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(With inputs from AP)