A <a href="https://news.ad-astra.icu/suspected-gas-explosion-in-south-africa-claims-one-life-leaves-41-injured.html” title=”Suspected Gas Explosion in South Africa Claims One Life, Leaves 41 Injured”>suspected underground gas explosion ripped open roads and flipped vehicles in the heart of South Africa’s biggest city, killing one man and injuring at least 41 people, authorities and emergency services said on Thursday.
The cause of the blast, which happened during Wednesday’s evening rush hour in downtown Johannesburg, remained unclear. 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.
The body of the deceased was found during a nighttime search of the blast area, Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said on Twitter.
An investigation was under way as city authorities brought in specialists to determine whether other underground pipes or cables were in the area and if there was a threat of another explosion or gas leak.
“We are still searching for the source,” said Panyaza Lesufi, the premier of the Gauteng province where Johannesburg is located.
Lesufi said 12 people remained in several Johannesburg hospitals for medical treatment. The other 36 people who were hurt had been discharged, he said.
Post from www.aljazeera.com