Not much happens in Worcester.

So when residents heard a series of huge bangs and felt the ground shake early this morning, they were understandably concerned.

The source of the sounds and vibrations turned out to be an exploding gas tanker.

According to The Citizen, the explosion was so big that it could be felt kilometres away.

This footage shows a massive blaze:

More from Twitter, including footage of the initial explosion:

Video footage of gas explosion this morning, in Worcester, Western Cape. pic.twitter.com/vZBSJdWmxI

— Elton Greeve (@EltonGreeve) July 10, 2019

Video of explosion in Worcester this am (Video: unknown source) pic.twitter.com/1dfHsMZL8Q

— Elton Greeve (@EltonGreeve) July 10, 2019

The fire brigade worked to get it under control:

Petrol tanker exploded in High Street, Worcester. All roads nearby blocked off. Emergency personnel, firebrigade on scene. @MadikizelaBongz @WCGovTPW @TrafficSA pic.twitter.com/d9o9KH9Qh2

— Ntomboxolo Somdaka (@NMakoba) July 10, 2019

Two people were injured and were taken to Mediclinic Worcester for further treatment.

The municipality said road closures affected the N1 Meirings Park entrance, as well as road closures in High Street, Smit Street, Field Street, Brown Street and Church Street.

“This is as a result of a gas truck that exploded in the area. The public is encouraged to make use of other routes, reduce speed and exercise caution.”

After the explosion, the fire spread to nearby buildings, notably factories. The fire department earlier reported that the only injuries suffered were two firefighters as a result of fighting the blaze, but they were aware of no other casualties since people were not in the vicinity of the explosion to be hurt. A third injured person has, however, been mentioned in reports.

Some footage of the aftermath:

pic.twitter.com/c9zAAOuR9e

— Sharwaan Davids (@waniedavids) July 10, 2019

And the remnants:

At the time of writing, the fire was under control, but fire services will remain on the scene until operations have been concluded and the area is completely safe.

Not just another day in Worcester, then.

[source:citizen]