The City of Johannesburg has confirmed that a full investigation will be launched following Monday’s transformer explosion at a student accommodation building in Doornfontein, in the inner city.
The blast, which occurred in a storage room housing a transformer, caused an adjacent wall to collapse and left four people injured. Three of the injured are security guards, while the fourth is a student tenant. All were treated and transported to hospital.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, said authorities have secured the area and assured residents that nearby buildings are structurally safe.
“It will be important to clear the debris and get closer to the transformer itself as part of the investigation. At this stage, the area is safe and secure, and people should not be concerned,” Tshwaku said.
He added that emergency teams will continue working around the clock to determine the cause of the explosion and to check for any potential hazards, including underground gas lines. The affected building has been evacuated as a precaution.
Officials say further updates will be provided once the investigation progresses.