Several areas in Joburg are without power due to the fire.
A fire beneath the M1 South in the Johannesburg CBD has disrupted traffic on the highway on Thursday.
City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) are on scene.
“Firefighters responded to a call earlier this morning and are still working to extinguish the fire,” the City of Johannesburg EMS said.
The JMPD said two lanes of the M1 have been closed between the Smit Street exit in Braamfontein and the Crown Interchange.
It said cables under the overpass are the source of the blaze.
“Two lanes remain open, which may cause traffic disruptions. Motorists are advised to exercise caution when travelling there,” JMPD added.
No fatalities or casualties have yet been reported.
The City of Joburg EMS said the cause of the fire will be investigated.
“Once the firefighters have conducted an assessment along the M1 double-decker underground tunnel and the area is safe, the scene will be handed over to City Power to conduct their own investigation,” it said.
“Parts of the M1 highway between Smith Street and the Crown interchange have been partially closed off to traffic to allow all officials to do their work. Motorists are urged to exercise caution.”
Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Nana Radebe-Kgiba told eNCA that firefighters responded to the scene and found underground cables on fire.
She said three teams are attempting to put out the blaze.
“For now the situation is under control and we are trying to ensure the fire doesn’t spread to other areas,” said Radebe-Kgiba.
At the time of publishing, there was no estimated time for when the fire would be extinguished.
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