By: Natasha Archary

Another gas explosion has shaken Braamfontein, this time the cause of the blast was directly linked to an Egoli gas pipeline which was undergoing maintenance at the time.
The explosion, at the corner of Bertha and De Korte Streets in Braam, took place just after 15h00 on Tuesday, 05 September.
City of Joburg Mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda said the explosion comes as all service providers, including Egoli Gas, were urged to test and maintain their systems to prevent future disasters, like the Bree Street explosion in July.
Gwamanda also warned people to avoid lurking around, taking pictures and videos when explosions and other emergencies occur, as more lives could be lost.
Dr Mgcini Tshwaku – MMC for Public Safety in the City of Johannesburg confirmed that five injuries were reported, but there were no fatalities.
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In a statement, the Mayor said all measures are in place to monitor the area further.
“The explosion is confirmed to be a gas explosion from an Egoli Gas pipeline that was currently undergoing maintenance.
Following the Bree Street incident, the City has placed pressure on Egoli Gas and other service providers to test and maintain their systems, to prevent future accidents, and minimize the risk to leaks and explosions.
Sadly, this explosion occurred during the course of such maintenance.”
City of Joburg Mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda
Disclaimer: Videos and images supplied
Gwamanda advised residents of Braam to not be too concerned if they experience a strong gas smell, as the gas is being released into the air.
“Residents in the area are advised that they may experience a strong gas scent, and mustn’t be concerned as the gas is being released into the atmosphere and poses no risk to health and life.
We must however also decry a growing tendency where people converge around a scene of disaster, taking pictures and videos as opposed to evacuating and moving away from such scenes.
The Boksburg explosion must be a lesson that scenes of disaster must be cleared immediately by all.”
The Mayor said further updates will be communicated.
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