Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has dismissed claims that a transformer explosion led to the partial collapse of a building in New Doornfontein on Monday, saying authorities are still awaiting the outcome of a full investigation.
Morero was briefing the media during an inspection of the affected site on Tuesday, following reports that an explosion caused structural damage to a building that had been converted from a warehouse into flats, reportedly used as student accommodation.
“The investigation will determine the cause of the explosion,” Morero said. “Once that is done, we will confirm what happened because I don’t want to speculate. City Power says it cannot be the transformer because when the impact happened, it went as far as breaking the windows of the opposite building.”
He added that rubble would only be removed once inspections by the Department of Labour and City Power are completed.
Morero further warned that if any building compliance regulations were not followed during the conversion of the warehouse into residential units, action would be taken against those responsible.
However, Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) earlier indicated that a transformer explosion may have caused the incident.
In a statement, EMS said the transformer was housed within a small utility storage room and that the explosion allegedly caused the collapse of the room and an adjoining boundary wall.
“The building affected is seemingly student accommodation,” EMS said.
All residents in the immediate vicinity were evacuated to a nearby building, with emergency services confirming that everyone has been accounted for.
“Matters pertaining to the transformer explosion have been handed over to City Power for management, investigation, and remediation. Emergency services remain on site conducting operational assessments and ensuring site safety,” EMS added.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the explosion, with investigations continuing.
