By Everson Luhanga
The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services were called to the scene of an underground fire at the M1 direction north on the double-decker section in the CBD.
Unofficial reports suggest zama zamas working underground could have caused the fire.
EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the fire affected the M1 highway which was then closed.
He said underground cables which supply power to areas around Braamfontein areas caught fire.
“City Power and other officials were called and attended to the scene,” he said.
Around mid-morning, the area around Empire Road to the Crown interchange was badly affected which forced officials to close off the freeway to traffic.
“The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” said Mulaudzi.
“City Power will assess the situation and an update will be given on which areas will be affected by electricity supply problems due to the fire.”
No injuries have been reported.
Pictured above: A scene at the M1 highway in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Image source: EMS
