Bloemfontein was rocked by an explosion at the Woolworths store in Preller Square, in the northern suburbs of the city, in the early hours of Friday morning (29/5). OFM News was first on the scene shortly after the blast and was met by a growing crowd of stunned employees and onlookers gathered outside the shopping centre. 

While the explosion caused alarm throughout the complex, the surrounding stores appeared to have escaped damage.

Police swiftly cordoned off the affected section of the centre as police officials, including the K9 and explosives units, launched an intensive sweep of the premises amid fears that a secondary device may have been planted.

At the scene, police confirmed an explosion had indeed occurred inside the Woolworths Food store. At that stage, however, no additional explosive devices had been found.

Following the police sweep, the remainder of Preller Square was reopened to the public, although Woolworths remained closed as investigators continued combing through the scene, which was officially declared an active crime scene.

Police quickly closed off the affected section of the centre. Photo: Morgan Piek

On Thursday (28/5), a similar explosion occurred at the Woolworths store in Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the two incidents are linked.

Free State police spokesperson Sgt Mahlomola Kareli confirmed the matter has been handed over to the Hawks for further investigation. 

“There was an explosion that happened in the Woolworths, but our explosives unit is still busy at the scene, processing the entire area to determine whether there was a secondary explosion or another device that may have been stored or placed somewhere.”

Police getting briefed on the scene. Photo: Morgan Piek

While the shopping centre itself had reopened, the affected section of the Woolworths store remained sealed off, Kareli reiterated. “For now, other parts of the mall are open to the public and workers.

“The area where the explosion happened is still being treated as a crime scene,” he said. “It isn’t a large area where the explosion occurred, but because it happened in an enclosed space, it created a very loud blast.”

Police have appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and to avoid touching or moving suspicious objects or unattended packages, and to inform the authorities.

“People must remain vigilant. If they notice any suspicious package, they should not tamper with it. Leave it as it is and contact the police immediately. We will then summon the explosives unit to investigate,” Kareli added.

No casualties or injuries have been reported following the explosion. Investigations into the cause of the blast and the possibility of a connection to the Pretoria incident are continuing.

OFM News/Morgan Piek sm

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