Police probe cause of Slovo Park blast
Ekurhuleni emergency services says they have handed over the scene of an earlier explosion at the Slovo Park informal settlement to the South African Police Service.
Ekurhuleni EMS spokesperson William Ntladi says no casualties have been reported to them, and the source of the explosion is currently under investigation.
He says they responded to a distress call about an informal dwelling and a car on fire at around 11 am on Friday.
However, upon arrival, they were met with a different situation.
“There was no fire, and there was no vehicle or shack that was burning. However, there was an explosion that took place.”
Ntladi says while they have no recorded casualties, community members say there were some injuries.
“Members of the public informed us that three people were privately transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.”
He says the house where the explosion occurred, and the backroom, were most affected.
“There are several houses in the neighbourhood that are affected by this explosion. The RDP house and the shack where the explosion took place are completely destroyed. The houses in the neighbourhood had their windows and part of their roofing had been blown off,” Ntladi added.
Meanwhile, Gauteng police have confirmed that they are investigating the cause of the blast, which damaged at least five homes.
“The police are attending to an explosion scene in Slovo Park, Springs, which resulted in the damage of multiple houses in the area. At least two people are reported injured, of which one is the owner of the house where the explosive reportedly ignited. Both victims were taken to the hospital,” said police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
While it’s yet to be confirmed, community members have attributed the explosion to illegal mining activities.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident will form part of the investigations. Explosive experts are on scene to sweep the place for any other explosives and also assist with investigations. Public Order Policing is also on scene to monitor the situation,” Nevhuhulwi added.
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