A man is expected to appear in court soon on charges of arson after a fire at the Zodwa Special School in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, yesterday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said the man faces two counts of murder, attempted murder and arson.

Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed shock at the gas explosion.

Chiloane said police were investigating what led to the unfortunate incident.

“Our psycho-social unit visited the school today to extend the necessary trauma support and counselling to those affected by this unfortunate incident.

“We are shaken by this abrupt gas explosion that has stolen the lives of two employees at the school,” said the MEC.

He said the department was greatly saddened by the loss and wanted to extend its sincerest condolences to affected families and the school community at large.

“We also wish a speedy recovery to those employees who were injured,” said MEC Chiloane.

Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Charles Mabaso said four people were injured and were later transported to Kalafong Hospital.

“It is alleged that the four and two deceased are employees of a contractor that was doing repair work on two container classrooms,” said Mabaso.

He said when firefighters arrived at the scene, they found the collapsed container classrooms on fire.

“A badly burnt body of a man was discovered and another later,” he added at the time.