One dead in PnP gas leak

One person died in a gas leak at the Victory Park Pick n Pay in northern Johannesburg on Thursday, emergency services said.

Spokeswoman Nana Radebe said: "One person was found dead."

He had been unaccounted for, but his body was later found. Radebe said he had been part of a consultancy team doing maintenance work underneath the shop.

Nobody else was injured although a woman draped in a towel was seen being interviewed by police while employees covered the door's glass windows with posters for privacy.

A Pick n Pay employee was posted at the door to inform shoppers of the shop's closure until Friday, while at least 20 policemen and emergency personnel were inside the supermarket.

Two ambulances, a fire engine and police vehicles were parked outside, while chemical specialists walked through the doors wearing black and yellow protective gear.

Radebe said the shop had been cordoned off, but residents of neighbouring houses should not worry, as there appeared to be no danger to them.

Sapa