Fire under M1 highway in Joburg causes traffic disruptions and power outages (VIDEOS)

A fire beneath the M1 South in the Johannesburg CBD has disrupted traffic on the highway on Thursday.

City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) are on scene.

“Firefighters responded to a call earlier this morning and are still working to extinguish the fire,” the City of Johannesburg EMS said.

Lanes closed on M1 highway due to fire

The JMPD said two lanes of the M1 have been closed between the Smit Street exit in Braamfontein and the Crown Interchange.

It said cables under the overpass are the source of the blaze.

“Two lanes remain open, which may cause traffic disruptions. Motorists are advised to exercise caution when travelling there,” JMPD added.

No fatalities or casualties have yet been reported.

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The City of Joburg EMS said the cause of the fire will be investigated.

“Once the firefighters have conducted an assessment along the M1 double-decker underground tunnel and the area is safe, the scene will be handed over to City Power to conduct their own investigation,” it said.

“Parts of the M1 highway between Smith Street and the Crown interchange have been partially closed off to traffic to allow all officials to do their work. Motorists are urged to exercise caution.”

Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Nana Radebe-Kgiba told eNCA that firefighters responded to the scene and found underground cables on fire.

She said three teams are attempting to put out the blaze.  

“For now the situation is under control and we are trying to ensure the fire doesn’t spread to other areas,” said Radebe-Kgiba.

At the time of publishing, there was no estimated time for when the fire would be extinguished.

M1 fire causes power outages

The fire has also led to power outages in several areas nearby, including Braamfontein, Parktown West, Newtown, and the surrounding areas.

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said it is suspected that the blaze could be because of cable theft.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire may have been caused by yet another incident of suspected cable theft and vandalism, a growing trend linked to the criminal activities of zama-zamas operating in the Inner City underground tunnels,” he said.

“These groups, often violent and heavily armed, continue to pose a serious threat to critical power infrastructure and the safety of our personnel.”

Mangena said once the site is declared safe, City Power technicians will start assessing the extent of the damage.

“Thereafter, we will start work on restoring supply through backfeeding where possible to minimise the impact on affected customers.

“We urge residents to remain patient as we work to resolve this issue.”

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