JOHANNESBURG - Spokesman Johan Pieterse said it was suspected that the four-year-old and four-month-old had drowned but details were sketchy.

Another person was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

More than 800 people were evacuated when the pipe burst at about 1am on Monday.

He said about six shacks had been erected directly above the pipes which ran underground at the informal settlement.

The two children were inside one of these shacks when the pipe burst.

Rand Water officials were at the scene as well as the department of housing.

Hans Strijdom drive was closed from Hinterland Avenue to Pretoria Avenue.

Traffic would be affected as the road would only be opened much later on Monday.

Motorists were advised to take other routes.