WATCH: Explosion rocks Joburg CBD, several injured

Early indications were that an underground gas pipeline may have exploded, causing extensive damage to the area.  

The explosion was confirmed by JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla on Wednesday evening. 

Fihla said EMS and JMPD officers were still accessing the extent of the damage and injuries. 

ER24 spokesperson, Russel Meiring whose officers were also on the scene, said initial reports indicate that several people sustained minor to moderate injuries, but no fatalities had been reported.  

Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) spokesperson, Bertha Peters-Scheepers said the affected areas had been closed off to allow emergency and other critical services. 

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"The following streets are closed off: Simon Street and Bree Street, Harrison Street and Bree Street, Loveday Street on both sides," she said. 

Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi and other officials were on the scene to assess the damage.  

* Editor’s note: this is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.