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Cause of Johannesburg Explosion Revealed, Official Says

CC BY 2.0 / South African Tourism / Mandela Bridge, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South AfricaMandela Bridge, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Mandela Bridge, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 03.08.2023
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On July 19, the center of the South African city of Johannesburg, namely sections of Bree Street and Rissik Street, was devastated by a massive explosion, which occurred during rush hour. According to Johannesburg Emergency Management spokesperson, at least 41 people were injured and one killed.
The authorities of Johannesburg have identified the cause of the mysterious explosion in the city’s downtown, with the investigation revealing that the cause was methane gas, local media reported, citing City Manager Floyd Brink.
Fire specialists, international engineers, structural experts and professionals in occupational health and safety were involved in the investigation process, according to the media.

It is believed that the methane gas had risen along a service tunnel. Now that the crisis has been dealt with, the main concern of the city authorities is to rebuild the tunnels under the city. The cost of this task is estimated at around $9.6 billion, the media reported.

Brink also noted that $200,000 have already been spent on professional experts’ services, site cording, technology, and temporary relief services.
The city plans to restore the 90-year-old tunnels in compliance with international and South African standards. This includes upgrading the tunnel's structure so that it could withstand a 9.5% methane explosion, installing continuous gas detection and alarms, the official said.
On July 21, apart from the methane gas, the city authorities named a malfunction in the sewage rainwater system as a possible cause of the explosion. However, this option as well as terrorist action, foul play, negligence, or intentional release of gas into the tunnel was ruled out by the investigation.
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