Johannesburg gas explosion: Road closures and alternative routes

An underground gas explosion in the Johannesburg inner city has resulted in chaos, roads partially collapsing, substations at risk, buildings evacuated, and people left injured.

HERE IS THE LATEST ON THE JHB GAS EXPLOSION CHAOS

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla said motorists are advised that Lilian Ngoyi (Bree) Street in the Johannesburg CBD is closed off to traffic between Pixely Ka Seme (Sauer) and Von Weilligh Street.

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⚠️ALERT : Road Closures in the JHB CBD due to last evening's Explosion 💥.
⛔ Bree Street and Harrison Street
⛔ Bree Street and Simmonds Street
⛔ Loveday street (Both ways)

*Bree Street is now called Lilian Ngoyi Street. #JHBTraffic pic.twitter.com/fJFBjmVlhR

— 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐆𝐔𝐘 🇿🇦 (@Takatso_Moloi) July 20, 2023

THESE ROADS IN JHB INNER CITY ARE CLOSED

He further said the public should expect closures on all the streets crossing Lilian Ngoyi Street between Rahima Moosa and Plein Street. This includes the following streets:

• Simmonds Street,
• Harrison Street,
• Loveday Street,
• Rissik Street,
• Joubert Street,
• Eloff Street
• Von Brandis Street.

“This is following the explosion incident which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, 19 July 2023, and has left Lilian Ngoyi Street inaccessible to vehicular traffic.

​”Law enforcement officials from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) have been deployed to cordon off the scene to ensure the safety of all and to divert traffic on the affected routes.” – Xolani Fihla

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TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED ON THE AFFECTED ROUTES

Fihla said a contraflow traffic management system will in be in place on Rahima Moosa Street between 06:00 and 14:00, where vehicles coming from Pixley Ka Seme Street will turn right onto Rahima Moosa Street and proceed East towards Von Weilligh Street for vehicles going to the MTN Taxi Rank.

“From 14:00, the conversion of the traffic will flow from East to West on Rahima Moosa Street to allow vehicles from the MTN Rank to exit the CBD.”

The road closures will remain in place while specialists assess the extent of the damage and for the rehabilitation of the roadway.

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HERE ARE THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES

“Motorists are urged to be patient and to acquaint themselves with the traffic management plan for the duration of the road closures and to use the following alternative routes:

• Rahima Moosa Street,
• Plein Street,
• Pritchard Street,
• Helen Joseph Street,
• Albertina Sisulu Road
• Commissioner Street.

HERE IS HOW TO CONTACT US:

Please WhatsApp your photos and videos to  060 011 0211. Please remember to include your name, surname, and as many details and information as you have. You are, of course, welcome to send anonymous tips and information.

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