After weeks of speculation on what could have caused the explosion at one of the busiest streets in Johannesburg CBD, it has been confirmed that methane gas leakage caused the blast. The explosion caused devastation, wreaking the road, damaging 34 vehicles, killing one person and leaving dozens injured.

METHANE CAUSED EXPLOSION 

Briefing the media today, Joburg City Manager Floyd Brink said the cause was a gas called methane. "The type of gas that fuelled the explosion is methane, which is lighter than air and travelled up along the services tunnel, from an unknown source to the crest of the tunnel near Von Brandis Street," he said. He said the delivery of the report marks the end of the immediate response work presented before.

R178 MILLION TO FIX THE DAMAGE 

But now, they are looking at repairing the damage made. He estimated that it will cost R178 million to fix. "Our rough estimate for repairs currently sits at R178 million. This estimate might change once we receive the detailed designs for the entire project. In the interest of transparency, it is important to report to residents of Johannesburg that the City has so far spent around R4 million on this project on professional experts’ services, cordoning off the site, technology used and the provision of temporary relief services in a form of water tankers and temporary ablution services," he added.

LESSONS LEARNT

He said they are taking lessons from the disaster. "In order to avoid future recurrence, the tunnel design will be upgraded based on current international codes for tunnels to reduce the risk and severity of explosions. We will also introduce continuous gas detection and alarms and gas detector sensor monitors for all staff working the tunnels regularly," He said the tunnel’s design will be based on international relevant standards for tunnels, fire and explosion prevention relevant to South African designs. "Suitable materials for the tunnel would be reinforced, concrete side walls and roofs designed for this over-pressure and release. At this stage, we remain confident that we are on the right path in our efforts to respond and recover from the incident and will once more implore the public to bear with us and give us space to do all we must for the successful recovery of the site and services," He maintained that the City has qualified skilled professionals for the job.

NO FOUL PLAY SUSPECTED

Brink ruled out speculations that zama-zamas or cable theft or foul play by anybody are to blame for the blast. "All emergency responses by EMS, JMPD, and all departments are effective and compliant and no shortcomings are to be addressed. It was not an Egoli pipeline explosion or pipe rupture nor a large leak before the explosion, only post-explosion as confirmed on the timeline of the Egoli Gas SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) monitor system. No negligence by electricity or any department or any intentional action by individuals or intentional release of gas into the tunnel and no signs of people living in the tunnels nor recent cable theft was found," he said. Lilian Ngoyi Street (formerly Bree Street) which was heavily damaged and surrounding streets remain closed.