Disaster Response: The Elios 3 in the Johannesburg Gas Explosion

Key Benefits at a Glance

Safety The explosion made it unsafe to access underground areas, but the Elios 3 collected critical data without putting the Delta Scan team at risk.	Speed Delta Scan was able to gather data in days rather than months, providing urgent insights to authorities thanks to the Elios 3.
Data Quality The maps and models from Delta Scan include detailed assessments of walls, pipes, and underground utilities.	Access Traditional inspections would take weeks, but the Elios 3 could be deployed immediately upon arrival at the site.

An underground gas explosion on Lillian Ngoyi Street in Johannesburg, South Africa in July 2023 captured global attention. The videos shared online showed a dramatic event that split the road open and sent cars flying into the air. One person was killed, and several others were injured. After the explosion, emergency teams needed to quickly identify underground cavities to secure the area. They turned to Delta Scan, an expert inspection company, to help with the assessment.

The explosion caused massive damage that was hard to assess from the surface

Using Confined Space Drones in Emergency Response

Delta Scan is a leader in engineering and technology services, specializing in infrastructure management and digital analysis. They serve industries such as mining, oil and gas, and major asset management. With clients including asset owners, engineers, and insurers, they are transforming how complex audits and surveys are conducted across South Africa and beyond.

Delta Scan has built expertise in adapting to various scenarios. They use LiDAR and specialized software to create accurate as-built records and digital twins, helping determine the real condition of assets. Over the past few years, they have used the Elios drones for confined space audits, finding them essential for maintaining safety, speed, and quality in critical operations. This experience made the Elios 3 the ideal choice for inspecting the area affected by the gas explosion.

The Elios 3 being deployed through a manhole to enter the space beneath the street

Assessing a Gas Explosion with the Elios 3

The explosion on Lillian Ngoyi Street followed a straight path, suggesting it may have traveled along a service tunnel or pipeline. Authorities wanted to investigate potential causes, such as a gas leak, illegal mining, or negligence. Delta Scan was contacted shortly after the incident to examine the underground areas, under pressure to deliver results quickly.

With prior experience using the Elios drone for mapping tunnels, Delta Scan knew they could complete the task efficiently. Upon arrival, they began their investigation immediately. Using LiDAR and visual cameras, they assessed the integrity of support structures, the likelihood of further damage, and which utility services might have been affected. The Elios 3’s small size allowed it to navigate tight spaces, getting close to tunnel walls to collect valuable evidence for the investigation. Thermal cameras also helped detect live cables, ensuring safety during the process.

The Advantages of Drones in Underground Mapping

The Elios 3 played a crucial role in creating accurate 3D maps of the underground service ducts. Over the course of one week, Delta Scan gathered data and inspected the condition of slabs, walls, and key utility services. The drone’s compact design and powerful lighting system enabled it to operate effectively in low-light conditions and beyond the line of sight.

Detailed analysis of cracks and damage was possible thanks to the Elios 3's data collection

This project presented significant safety challenges. Traditional methods would have taken weeks or even months to implement safely. Instead, the Elios 3 completed the job in just a few days, meeting the strict time constraints set by the authorities. The rapid response allowed Delta Scan to provide timely insights that were vital for the next steps in the recovery process.

Following the findings, local authorities received a comprehensive map of the damage above and below ground. Aerial imagery from other drones was also used to supplement the data. The map included reference points for areas of greatest damage and detailed drawings of the service tunnels.

Acting on Drone Mapping Results

Repairs to the damaged area are now underway, and extensive planning is in progress. The explosion occurred in the heart of Johannesburg’s business district, a busy location where time is of the essence. The efficiency gained through the use of the Elios 3 was crucial in starting the process of restoring normalcy to the street.

“Without the drone, the inspection would have been impossible due to safety concerns. The drone wasn’t just useful — it was essential for the task and unmatched by any other tool,” said Darryl Epstein, Managing Director at Delta Scan.

The Elios 3’s ability to generate LiDAR point clouds and visual data simultaneously made it perfect for this mission

The City of Johannesburg stated that the findings from Delta Scan’s work, along with other parts of the investigation, will be used to upgrade and reconstruct the tunnels under the street. The incident has also prompted many authorities to request audits of the city’s aging infrastructure.

Delta Scan emphasized the Elios 3’s flexibility in handling challenging environments. Despite smoke, dust, debris, and limited lighting, the drone successfully completed the inspection faster than any other method could have. The combination of skilled pilots and the drone’s advanced capabilities made this critical mapping project possible with greater safety and speed.

Discover more about the Elios 3 and its specialized LiDAR payload.

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