Three possible causes for Joburg blast, authorities say
Three possible causes have been identified for Wednesday’s blast in the Johannesburg CBD.
Johannesburg City Manager Floyd Brink says it could have been the ignition of methane gas in underground stormwater systems due to sewerage ingress.
He says the second possibility is the ignition of natural gas mixed with oxygen in underground stormwater drainage systems or service ducts – and the third possible cause is the ignition of gas from a gas pipe burst
READ: Still no explanation for Joburg explosion
At least one person was killed, and 48 others were injured when an underground explosion occurred on the busy Lilian Ngoyi Street.
Brink says buildings in the CBD have been assessed and declared safe, as there was no damage to the structural integrity.
Brink says digging at the site of the collapsed road will be done by hand to avoid causing further damage.
