Multiple Joburg CBD roads remain closed after explosion

The explosion, the cause of which is still unclear, ripped through central Johannesburg during rush hour on Wednesday, tearing through a main road.

At least one person was killed and 48 others were injured.

Twelve people were receiving treatment in hospital on Thursday morning.

Fihla said Lillian Ngoyi Street, also known as Bree Street in the CBD, has been closed off to traffic between Pixley ka Seme and Von Weilligh streets.

"Expect closures in all the streets crossing Lilian Ngoyi Street between Rahima Moosa and Plain Street and these include Simmonds Street,  Harrison Street,  Loveday Street, Rissik Street,  Joubert Street, Eloff Street, and from Brandis Street. This is following the explosion incident which occurred on Wednesday afternoon and has left Lillian Ngoyi Street inaccessible to vehicular traffic.

"Law enforcement officials from the JMPD and the SAPS have been deployed to coordinate the scene and to ensure the safety of all and to divert traffic on the affected routes.

Fihla adds that a control flow traffic management system will be in place on Rahima Moosa Street between 6am and 2pm.

"Vehicles coming from Pixley ka Seme Street will turn right onto Rahima Musa Street and proceed East towards Von Weilligh. For vehicles going to the MTN taxi rank from 2pm, the conversion of the traffic will flow from east to west on Rahima Moosa Street to allow vehicles from the MTN taxi rank to exit the CBD.

"The road closures will remain in place while specialists assist with the extent of the damage and for the rehabilitation of the roadway. Merchants are urged to be patient and to acquaint themselves with the traffic management plan for the duration of the road closures and to use Rahima Moosa Street, Plein Street, Pritchard Street, Helen Joseph Street, Albertina Sisulu Road and Commissioner Street as alternative routes."

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