A tragic incident occurred on Thursday morning in the industrial area of Germiston, east of Johannesburg, when a gas leak caused a massive explosion that killed at least 16 people and injured dozens more. The blast was so powerful that it shattered windows and damaged buildings in a radius of several kilometers.

According to the authorities, the gas leak originated from a chemical plant that produces industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen and argon. The exact cause of the leak is still under investigation, but it is suspected that a faulty valve or a ruptured pipe may have been the culprit. The leak was detected around 9 a.m. by the plant’s workers, who tried to contain it and alert the emergency services. However, before they could evacuate the premises, the gas ignited and triggered a devastating explosion.

The fire brigade, the police and the paramedics arrived at the scene shortly after the blast and began to search for survivors among the rubble. They faced a difficult task, as the fire was still raging and the gas was still leaking. They had to wear protective gear and masks to avoid inhaling the toxic fumes. Some of the victims were trapped under collapsed walls or debris, while others were burned or suffocated by the gas.

The rescue operation lasted for several hours and involved more than 100 personnel from different agencies. By late afternoon, they had recovered 16 bodies and transported 47 injured people to nearby hospitals. Some of the injured were in critical condition and had to undergo surgery or intensive care. The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are found or more victims succumb to their injuries.

The mayor of Johannesburg, Mpho Parks Tau, visited the site of the disaster and expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and his support to the injured. He also praised the efforts of the rescue workers and promised to launch a thorough investigation into the incident. He said that he would hold accountable those responsible for the gas leak and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.

The president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, also issued a statement in which he expressed his shock and sadness over the loss of lives and the damage caused by the explosion. He said that he would provide all the necessary assistance to the affected community and that he would work with the mayor and the provincial government to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The gas leak and explosion in Johannesburg is one of the worst industrial accidents in South Africa’s history. It has raised questions about the safety standards and regulations of such facilities and the risks they pose to the environment and public health. It has also highlighted the need for better emergency preparedness and response in case of such disasters.