Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda assesses damage in the JHB CBD. Photo: Kabelo Gwamanda/ Twitter
Joburg Mayor attends the scene of JHB CBD catastrophe
Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda has descended on the JHB CBD following the collapse of major roads this afternoon.
Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda assesses damage in the JHB CBD. Photo: Kabelo Gwamanda/ Twitter
Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda has descended on the JHB CBD following the collapse of major roads this afternoon, Wednesday, 19 July.
JOBURG MAYOR GWAMANDA ANNOUNCES IMPROMPT JHB CBD VISIT
Earlier, the mayor indicated that he was headed to the JHB CBD to assess the damage which many feel he underestimated.
“Following the explosion that happened this afternoon at Jhb CBD, which caused the road to partially collapse. I’ll be heading there this evening, to assess the damage,” he tweeted.
ALSO READ: Viral Video: Several vehicles damaged in the JHB CBD gas line explosion
Gwamanda also tweeted upon his arrival on the scene where he was joined by law enforcement agencies and officials in assessing the disaster.
“We are at Lillian Ngoyi Street better known as Bree Street to assess and respond to the incident.”
Mayor Gwamanda
ALSO READ: JHB CBD gas line explosion blamed on illegal miners (Zama Zamas)
OFFICIALS WARN AGAINST VISITING THE AREA
Gauteng Premier Panyaza also notified that his team was on the ground to assist. “Our team is managing this chaotic situation. Please avoid the Joburg CBD,” he cautioned.
WHAT TO WE KNOW SO FAR
Reports suggest that an underground gas line explosion could be the main source of this catastrophic ordeal that has left Bree and Rissik Street cracked open.
Videos making rounds have depicted huge and lengthy cracks that have pierced through the road causing what appears to be a large sinkhole and uneven surface in that part of the JHB CBD. The video further shows minibus taxis, which frequent the route, stuck in between the trenches while some overturned as a result of the effects.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Johannesburg CBD busy road shockingly cracks open
It is reported that several people were injured amid the road collapse.
Nevertheless, these are the following road closures currently:
• Bree Street
• Simmons Bree Street
• Harrison Loveday Street
ALSO READ: Underground GAS explosion in JHB – AVOID these streets
