01 May 2024 | 09:25 AM UTC
South Africa: Sections of M1 Highway closed in Johannesburg's Braamfontein area due to fire May 1
Authorities close part of the M1 Highway in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa, May 1 due to fire. Avoid the area.
Emergency personnel are responding to an underground cable fire near the M1 Highway in Johannesburg's Braamfontein area as of the morning of May 1. Officials have closed the M1 to all traffic between the Selby off-ramp and the Crown interchange. Diversions are in place; it is unclear when the M1 will reopen to traffic. Authorities said the fire broke out early in the morning at a section of the Fordsburg Substation, and an investigation into the cause is ongoing. Power outages are being reported in the Braamfontein, Melville, Vrededorp, and surrounding areas.
Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely near the affected area. Authorities may restrict further access to nearby roads to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles or for firefighting operations.
Avoid the impacted area until authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes and allow additional travel time to nearby destinations. Consider remaining indoors to avoid smoke exposure, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water. Heed all official advisories, including evacuation orders. Heed all official instructions, including evacuation orders.
