The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the person who was killed as result of the explosion that shook Bree Street in Johannesburg at rush hour yesterday.
We are saddened by the loss of life and the numerous people that were injured, as well as the damage to infrastructure, cars and taxis, some of which were overturned.
The ACDP wishes all the injured, now over 40, a speedy recovery, and we call for an effective search to ensure that no victim is left trapped beneath any overturned vehicles.
Another worrying factor is that there are still residents in the buildings along the affected area. We urge the city officials to ensure their safety by temporarily relocating them to safer accommodation until the extent of the damage is assessed to avoid further injuries or even loss of life.
Whilst the cause of this explosion is not yet entirely known, it is a fact that lack of maintenance to the underground pipes and cables in the CBD may exacerbate these kinds of eventualities. Allegations about the activities of illegal miners in the city must also be fully investigated.
Residents of Johannesburg and the province of Gauteng need answers, the victims need help and compensation, and the City and the Province must ensure that such a disaster does not happen again.
-ENDS-
