WATCH: Tshwane gas pipeline explosion: Over 2,500 police trainees, trainers evacuated

CAPE TOWN - More than 2,500 police trainees and their trainers have been evacuated at a South African Police Service training camp in Tshwane on Wednesday.

This follows a gas pipeline explosion that resulted in a fire at a business site located next to it  

Police say the training academy is not affected, and experts are at the site to contain the fire.

Charlotte Maxeke Street and Carl Street have been closed to motorists and businesses in the immediate vicinity evacuated. 

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the safety of their members remains a priority.

"The decision to evacuate the trainees, SAPS trainers and members from various specialised units including the NAJOINTS [National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure] was taken following advice and consultation from experts.

“A venue operational centre comprising of various experts has been established under the command of the Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, Lt Gen Tebello Mosikili."

At the same time, Emergency Management Services (EMS) in Tshwane are monitoring the blaze.

Tshwane’s acting EMS spokesperson - Lindsay Mnguni -says the fire erupted just before midday. 

“It’s an underground pipe that is leaking, leaking natural gas from Sasol. So, Sasol has switched off the supply to the pipe, only the gas that is inside the pipe is leaking. No injuries have been reported here.” 

Mnguni says the fire cannot be extinguished due to safety concerns and they will allow it to burn out.