one dead and about 40 injured after a powerful explosion in the center of Johannesburg

The road is split in two. The largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg, was shaken on Wednesday July 19 in the afternoon by a powerful explosion, which sent pedestrians and cars waltzing through the streets. A body was found Thursday, specify the emergency services, which add that at least 48 people were injured.

The street pierced by the explosion and those around remain closed to traffic on Thursday. The police are on the spot. “It’s about keeping the scene intact” for investigators, said the local police chief, who also warned of possible risks of secondary explosions.

Initially, the emergency services had tried to explain the disaster by an explosion of underground gas pipes. The South African gas company Egoli quickly dismissed the lead, saying it was “unlikely” than the explosion “was caused by a gas line or leak”. Witnesses spoke of chemical odors and steam leaks, but investigators continue to “find the source” of the explosion, said Thursday the Provincial Premier.