Johannesburg — Joburg CBD was hit by an unexpected underground cable fire on the M1 near the north double-decker that led to smoke spreading across the city.
The fire led to power outages in several parts of the city, with many residents left worried. Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, said the cables supply electricity to Braamfontein and surrounding areas, TimesLIVE reported.
Mulaudzi said the fire has affected parts of the highway, mostly Smith Street.
@CityofJoburgEMS Firefighters are currently attending to an underground fire incident reported along M1 north Double Decker highway at this stage no injuries reported and the cause of the fire incident is still a subject of investigations. @CityofJoburgZA @CoJPublicSafety (RM) pic.twitter.com/SmpoMMEpAp
— City of Joburg EMS (@CityofJoburgEMS) May 1, 2024
“We are extinguishing the fire towards the west. We encourage motorists to exercise caution while driving in that area. So far the area between Empire and Crown interchange has been closed. We urge motorists to avoid that area as we are still extinguishing the fire.” he said.
According to The Citizen, he said the fire came from underground tunnels running along the double-decker section of the highway. He said the fire has been put under control and there were no evacuations in the immediate area.
M1 highway JHB closed: underground fire near the railway line adjacent to Smit Street. pic.twitter.com/tYFtUyxT6Q
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) May 1, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
