Gloria Motsoere2 May 2024 | 8:07

Joburg EMS says smoke seen along M1 highway not a flare-up of underground fire

The route was closed on Wednesday when the blaze sparked, causing a massive power outage.

Joburg EMS says smoke seen along M1 highway not a flare-up of underground fire

A screengrab of smoke on the M1 highway near the Johannebsurg city centre on 2 May 2024. Picture: Gloria Motsoere/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) workers will continue with assessments on the M1 highway, near the city centre, following a fire in the underground tunnels.

The route was closed on Wednesday when the blaze sparked, causing a massive power outage.

ALSO READ: City Power unable to give timeframe for restoration of power to parts of Joburg CBD after M1 fire

Earlier on Thursday morning, smoke was seen covering the double-decker bridge.

However, EMS spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, said the smoke was not coming from the same area where the tunnels are located.

"The smoke is on the other side of the highway where there is an informal settlement. Maybe they are cooking something, I wouldn't know, but it's not along the tunnel."