An official notice sent to community police forum groups said that an explosion had occurred possibly on the gas lines underground.

Images from the scene showed how the road had been severely damaged, with tar ripped up as several vehicles, including taxis which usually park along the busy public transport route, were damaged. 

According to an alert sent by the Johannesburg Joint Operating Committee of Alexandra, Midrand, Sandringham and Sandton, the explosion took place on Wednesday afternoon.

Joburg Metro Police spokesperson Xolani Fihla said they had sent officers to the scene to confirm if the videos were true.

“At this stage we have sent officers to the scene to confirm if indeed the videos are true and at the present moment, all we know is what we have seen in the videos,” said Fihla.

Other widely recorded voice notes said affected streets in Joburg included Bree and Loveday streets and some cars had apparently sunk underground.

Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda is also making his way to the scene.

This is a developing story.