Parts of the M1 Highway in Johannesburg have been partially closed as firefighters continue to combat a fierce fire raging in the underground tunnel beneath the highway’s double-decker bridge on the M1 South. The fire broke out early Thursday morning, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly.
According to Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spokesperson Nana Radebe-Kgiba, the closure affects the stretch of highway between Smith Street and the Crown interchange, allowing officials to effectively manage the situation and ensure public safety. Radebe-Kgiba urged motorists to exercise caution while travelling in the area during this time of crisis.
“Firefighters responded to the call earlier this morning and are actively working to extinguish the fire,” Radebe-Kgiba stated, adding, “No fatalities or casualties have yet been reported.” The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials remaining vigilant as they navigate the complexities of the situation.
Following the extinguishing of the flames, firefighters will conduct an assessment to confirm that no further flare-ups occur. Only once the area is declared safe will it be handed over to City Power, which is set to evaluate the extent of the damage caused by the blaze.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been ignited by yet another incident of suspected cable theft and vandalism—a growing trend associated with the criminal activities of zama zamas, illicit miners who are increasingly active within the underground tunnels of the city centre.
“These groups are often violent and heavily armed, posing a serious threat to vital power infrastructure as well as the safety of our City Power personnel,” Mangena emphasized. He reiterated the urgent need for increased police intervention, stating, “This criminal scourge is undermining service delivery and places the lives of our teams at risk.”
The affected cables connect the Braamfontein and Fordsburg substations, and prior to restoration efforts, quick ventilation of the tunnels will be essential to remove smoke and ensure that the area is safe for entry. Following inspections, City Power technicians will begin work to restore the supply by considering back-feeding where possible to minimise the impact on affected customers.
