[imagesource:twitter/@ZakheleNdlela01]

The Johannesburg CBD was plunged into chaos on Wednesday night following a suspected gas line explosion that sent taxis flying and causing injuries to 41 people, with one casualty reported thus far.

Scenes from the explosion dominated social media in the hours following the explosion as people flocked to the scene.

Footage shows a huge crack running down Bree Street in the CBD, as cars and taxis can be seen lying on their sides.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said that Egoli Gas technicians were at the scene to advise the officials dealing with the disaster. Netcare911’s Sarah Kekana described the scene as a “red zone”, and told their paramedics at the scene to stand down until the scene was declared safe.

A paramedic confirmed that they had transported more than 10 people with serious to minor injuries to hospital.

JP Von Benecke from the Gauteng emergency medical services said a “massive sinkhole” had developed.

“About four vehicles have been trapped. Currently, it is still a search-and-rescue operation.”

Benecke said resources had to be moved to the western side of Lilian Ngoyi Street to access patients. “We have established a command centre at Lilian Ngoyi Street and Bree Street corners. Currently, the whole area is too unstable for us to enter.”

There was a strong smell of gas on the corner of Lillian Ngoyi and Eloff streets according to reports. Emergency services have urged people to stay away from the scene until they can determine the exact cause.

In the meantime, news and social media sites went crazy with footage revealing the destruction:

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena says they have various pipes running under the tunnels in the Joburg CBD where a suspected gas explosion took place. Mangena says this may affect the electricity supply to Joburg residents and might take a while to recover.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/fDowWEWNro

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 19, 2023

WATCH | This eyewitness explains what she saw during the gas explosion. #Joburg @TimesLIVE pic.twitter.com/iJNUAsfj03

— Thabo Tshabalala (@Thabo_Tshaba) July 19, 2023

[source:news24]