Defence Line security director Luca Branchina has confirmed that there was a miscommunication this afternoon.

An explosion, reportedly linked to a hardware store in Lonehill after information circulated on community alert platforms, was actually incorrect.

Read more: Explosion mystery solved

The Gauteng provincial joint operations committee alert, issued via its WhatsApp channel at approximately 14:14 on August 17, initially reported an explosion at a large hardware store at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Sunset Avenue in Lonehill.

The information, however, has since been clarified, with the location apparently having been miscommunicated. “There is no indication that the [hardware store] in Lonehill was involved in the incident.”

The exact location of the explosion is understood to be somewhere on the East Rand, although further details regarding the specific premises have not yet been confirmed.

Informal trader Blessing Mlambo, who trades not far from the area, said he did not notice any smoke linked to an explosion. “I saw the emergency services truck going there, but there is nothing hectic.”

Also read: Shacks destroyed after paraffin explosion

Xolani Fihla, spokesperson of Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), directed our query to emergency services, but our attempts to get information were not fruitful, as their phones rang unanswered.

The Gauteng provincial joint operations committee confirmed that emergency services responded to the scene following the report of the explosion, finding nothing. “Responders have confirmed that all is in order and that no incident has taken place. The area is clear for travel.”

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