Business as usual at Tshwane police training academy after gas blast rocks nearby area
A leaking Sasol gas pipeline at a business premises adjacent to the training academy caught alight causing an explosion on Wednesday. The incident led to all 2,500 trainee officers being evacuated.
A fire engine at the scene of a gas explosion in Tshwane West on 21 August 2024. Picture: @TMPDSafety/X
TSHWANE - It’s business as usual at the Tshwane police training academy following a gas explosion on Wednesday.
A leaking Sasol gas pipeline at a business premises adjacent to the training academy caught alight causing an explosion.
#sapsHQ Various experts are on site to contain the fire at the adjacent business site. It should be noted that the training academy is not affected and that the evacuation process is a precautionary measure by SAPS management.
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 21, 2024
A venue operational centre comprising of various… pic.twitter.com/ITTFCUVdTx
Please take note, Rebecca Street is closed between Charlotte Maxeke and Carl Street due to the Sosal gas pipe line on fire in Pretoria West. All Emergency Service Departments on the scene. Be cautious and use alternative routes around that area#TMPDsafety pic.twitter.com/i0Tpbx8Hvf
— Tshwane Metro Police (@TMPDSafety) August 21, 2024
The incident led to all 2,500 trainee officers being evacuated.
On Thursday morning, dozens of trainees dressed in their police uniforms were performing drills in single file lines as if Wednesday’s dramatic scenes were but a fever dream.
A mere 200 meters away there's a school where it seems teaching and learning will continue on Thursday.
A bridge linking the academy to surrounding businesses serves as reminder of what unfolded on Wednesday afternoon, with police tape and danger signs discarded all over the structure.
Meanwhile, speaking to EWN, the City of Tshwane's emergency services said that they managed to extinguish the fire just before sunrise with no fatalities or injuries reported.