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

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.

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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."