Jozi’s student hub shaken: Building collapse in Doornfontein

While we usually celebrate the East Side for its hidden gems and urban energy, today our thoughts are with the students and workers in Doornfontein. Following a minor explosion and fire, a section of a student building has collapsed, leaving four injured.

The incident occurred early Monday morning at a building located near the intersection of Lower Railway Road and Staib Street, a busy node for Johannesburg’s student and commuter population. According to eNCA reports, the collapse was triggered by a fire in a transformer room, which led to a minor explosion and the subsequent failure of an adjoining boundary wall.

The Details: What we know so far

Witnesses and residents reported a loud "explosion-like" sound followed by smoke billowing from the structure shortly before 06:00 AM. Speaking to SABC News, Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi confirmed that the fire broke out in a section of the building housing an electrical box.

• Casualties: Four people have been confirmed injured and were transported to nearby hospitals by Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) paramedics. According to eNCA, the victims include three people who were working in the vicinity and one student resident.
• The Rescue Operation: While all residents were accounted for shortly after the collapse, EMS teams remained on-site throughout the afternoon to clear rubble and ensure no one was trapped beneath the debris.
• The Cause: Investigations are ongoing. EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo told SABC News that the matter has been handed over to City Power to determine if the transformer failure was due to a technical fault or external factors.

Why this matters for the inner city

Doornfontein is the heart of Johannesburg’s "studentification," housing thousands of students from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and surrounding colleges. While the area is known for its urban energy, this incident, coming on the heels of other recent structural concerns in the CBD, highlights the critical need for infrastructure oversight in high-density residential zones.

Commuter and resident advisory

If you are travelling through the East Side or toward the Maboneng precinct this evening, please take note of the following:

• Road Closures: Expect delays around the Lower Railway Road and Staib Street intersection. Authorities have urged motorists and pedestrians to avoid the cordoned area to allow City Power technicians to work.
• Safety Checks: Residents in neighbouring buildings should report any unusual electrical flickering or gas odour to the City’s emergency lines (011 375 5911).
• Utility Outages: Localised power outages may persist in New Doornfontein as City Power works to repair the damaged transformer.

As the city continues its assessment of the building's structural integrity, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured and the safety of the residents displaced by this morning's events.

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