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The Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed the first fatality following the explosion in the Johannesburg CBD.
Rescue workers retrieved a body following Wednesday evening's explosion in Bree Street.
Lesufi said the number of people injured has now risen to 41.
Footage of the aftermath soon went viral on social media with reports of a possible underground pipeline explosion.
Egoli Gas, however, said it was unlikely a gas explosion as they had lost no pressure, indicating that their pipes were intact.
Several areas around Bree Street remain closed on Thursday as a massive sinkhole formed after the blast.
Egoli Gas believes it is unlikely that the explosion in Jhb CBD, Bree Street, JHB was caused by a gas pipeline or leak. Our network has experienced no pressure loss which indicates the gas pipelines are intact. Our customers in the area continue to receive gas uninterrupted. pic.twitter.com/Lv7qFY3LfY
— Egoli Gas (Pty) Ltd (@EgoliGas) July 19, 2023
