Gas explosion in Eikenhof leaves man badly burnt, fire under control

A man was left severely burnt following the explosion of multiple gas cylinders in Eikenhof near the Lido Hotel on Main Service Road at around 08:45, led to widespread panic in the area as emergency services rushed to the scene to prevent further damage.

According to the Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS), nine gas cylinders of varying sizes exploded during the incident. Firefighters were immediately dispatched to contain the blaze, with fears that a large container on-site could also explode.

“While we managed to extinguish the fire, the large container has been sealed to prevent further explosions,” said EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo. “The cause of the fire is still unknown, but we urge residents to always be extra vigilant when using heating devices and other electrical appliances to avoid such tragic incidents.”

The injured man, who sustained severe burns, was treated on the scene before being rushed to a nearby hospital for further medical care. His condition remains critical.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with improper handling or storage of gas cylinders and other flammable materials. The EMS continues to investigate the cause of the explosion and has issued a safety warning to residents of Johannesburg to prioritize safety in their homes and businesses.

Stay safe, and take precautionary measures to avoid potential fire hazards.