During rush hour on Wednesday, an unexplained explosion devastated central Johannesburg, causing extensive damage to a main road and injuring 41 individuals, as confirmed by South African authorities.

Initially, emergency services pointed to underground gas pipes as the potential cause, but the Egoli Gas company refuted this hypothesis, stating that it was unlikely the explosion, which caused tarmac to crack and vehicles, including minibus taxis, to overturn, was due to a gas pipeline or leak. According to the gas company, their network remained intact, and gas supply to the area continued without interruption.

Remarkably, no fatalities were reported, a fact hailed as a miracle by Panyaza Lesufi, the provincial Premier of Gauteng, encompassing Johannesburg and Pretoria. Among the injured, two individuals were in critical condition, nine suffered severe injuries, while 30 others had minor injuries, according to Lesufi.

A preliminary investigation failed to ascertain the cause of the blast, leaving the situation shrouded in mystery. Lesufi assured the public that the authorities had the situation completely under control and that experts would be brought in to provide a comprehensive analysis and advice.

The extent of the damage was significant, given that the explosion occurred during peak time, exacerbating the impact on the bustling city center.