Annisa Essack | kzn@radioislam.org.za
25 August 2023 | 15:45 CAT
2 min read

Photo Credit: IOL

A gas explosion at the Zodwa Special School in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, has killed two people and injured four others.

The explosion occurred around 10 am on Wednesday, and firefighters arrived on the scene to find a collapsed structure of container classrooms that was on fire. One person was trapped in the burning containers but was pronounced dead at the scene. A second body was later discovered as firefighters continued to extinguish the fire. The four injured people were taken to Kalafong Hospital.

It is alleged that they are all employees of a contractor contracted to do repair works on the container classrooms.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS). The school was closed for the day, and counselling will be offered to students and staff.

The Gauteng Department of Education has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured people a speedy recovery. The department has also said that it will work with the SAPS to investigate the cause of the explosion and ensure that the school is safe for students and staff to return to.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed shock over the deadly gas explosion.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss and wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the affected families and school community at large,” said Chiloane. “We also wish a speedy recovery to those employees who were injured by this incident.”

In a media statement, the department said that a gas leak was experienced at the school while mobile classrooms were being installed.

“Subsequently, a fire broke out on the school premises which unfortunately resulted in the death of two of the contractor’s employees who were trapped inside a mobile classroom,” the department said. “It must be noted that approximately four other contractor employees sustained injuries as a result of the fire and were immediately rushed to a local medical facility.”

The department’s psycho-social unit visited the school to provide trauma support and counselling to those affected.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. The police have reportedly arrested a 49-year-old man in connection with the incident. He is expected to be charged with two counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder, and arson.