Fire wreaks havoc in jozi

A DEVASTATING fire erupted between Empire Road and the Crown Interchange on the M1, Joburg, in the early hours of Wednesday, 1 May.

The fire posed a significant threat to the M1 highway bridge, causing widespread power outages across Joburg.

The blaze, which is believed to have been ignited by theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure on Tuesday night, 30 April, has put the city on high alert.

City Power spokesman Isaac Mangena said: "After it was extinguished, the fire flared up again early Wednesday, affecting electricity supply to Braamfontein, parts of the Joburg CBD, Parktown, Newtown, and surrounding areas."

Mangena suggested that the fire might have started due to vandalism and suspected theft, with a cable connecting the Braamfontein substation to the Fordsburg substation being particularly affected.

"City Power teams have been working tirelessly since the incident started and will continue their efforts until emergency services declare the site safe. We anticipate this will be by Thursday morning, at which point we can fully assess the damage to the electricity infrastructure and identify the cause," Mangena said.

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He also disclosed that tools commonly used in vandalism and theft, such as hacksaws, cutters, and screwdrivers, were found at the scene alongside, including a cellphone.

"Restoration work will kick off after smoke has cleared from the tunnels and the temperature, which soared to around 200°C, drops. Our plan is to start clearing debris and assessing the damage by mid-morning Thursday, which will guide our repair and restoration strategy," he added.

Spokesman for the City of Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) Robert Mulaudzi said: "EMS firefighters are set to revisit the M1 Double Decker highway this morning to conduct a thorough assessment of the underground tunnel for any flare-ups and to ensure its safety before City Power begins their assessment of the fire damage."