Key Benefits at a Glance

In July 2023, a devastating gas explosion on Lillian Ngoyi Street in Johannesburg, South Africa, made international headlines. The footage showed a dramatic event that shattered the road and launched vehicles into the air. One person lost their life, and several others were injured. In the aftermath, emergency responders needed to quickly identify underground cavities to secure the area. They turned to Delta Scan, a specialist inspection company, for help.

The explosion caused massive damage that was hard to assess visually

Using Confined Space Drones in Emergency Response

Delta Scan is a leading provider of engineering and technology services, specializing in infrastructure management and digital analysis. Their work spans across industries like mining, asset management, and oil and gas. With clients including asset owners, engineers, and insurers, they are transforming how complex engineering audits and surveys are conducted across South Africa and beyond.

With years of experience in diverse environments, Delta Scan has developed a strong capability in using LiDAR and specialized software to create accurate as-built models and digital twins. They’ve been working with the Elios drones for several years, particularly the Elios 3, which has proven invaluable for confined space audits. It allows them to maintain high-quality data while prioritizing speed and safety—key factors in emergency situations.

The Elios 3 being deployed through a manhole to inspect the underground space

Assessing the Gas Explosion with the Elios 3

The explosion along Lillian Ngoyi Street followed a straight path, suggesting it may have traveled through a service tunnel or pipeline. Authorities wanted to investigate potential causes, such as a gas leak, illegal underground activities, or negligence.

Delta Scan was called in shortly after the incident to examine the underground cavities in the affected area. Given their previous success using the Elios drone in similar projects, they knew it was the best tool for the job. Upon arrival, they quickly began their investigation.

The LiDAR and visual camera system on the Elios 3 helped assess the structural integrity of support systems, the risk of further collapse, and any damaged utility lines. Its compact size, fitting into spaces as small as 50x50 cm, allowed it to get close to tunnel walls and collect crucial evidence. Thermal imaging was also used to detect live cables, enhancing the depth of the investigation.

The Advantages of Drones in Underground Mapping

Over the course of just one week, Delta Scan collected comprehensive data using the Elios 3, mapping the underground service ducts and assessing the condition of slabs, walls, and essential services. The drone’s small size and powerful lighting system enabled it to navigate even in low-light conditions and beyond line-of-sight.

The data collected by Delta Scan enabled detailed analysis of cracks and structural damage

This project presented significant safety challenges. Traditional methods would have taken weeks or even months to set up and gather data. Instead, the Elios 3 delivered results in just a few days—critical given the time-sensitive nature of the operation.

Following Delta Scan’s findings, local authorities received a detailed map of both above-ground and below-ground damage, including aerial imagery from other drones flown over the blast site. The map included reference points of major damage and diagrams showing the dimensions of various service tunnels.

Acting on Drone Mapping Results

Repair work is now underway, and extensive planning is in progress. The explosion occurred in a busy part of Johannesburg’s central business district, so the time saved by using the Elios 3 was crucial in restoring normalcy to the area.

“Without the drone, the inspection would have been impossible due to safety concerns. The Elios 3 wasn’t just helpful—it was essential for this task,” said Darryl Epstein, Managing Director at Delta Scan.

The Elios 3 captured both LiDAR and visual data simultaneously, making it ideal for this mission

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

Delta Scan emphasized the Elios 3’s adaptability in handling tough conditions, including smoke, dust, debris, and limited light. Despite these challenges, the drone completed the inspection on schedule, faster than any traditional method could have achieved. The combination of skilled pilots and the drone’s advanced capabilities made this critical mapping project possible with greater safety and efficiency.

Discover more about the Elios 3 and its specialized LiDAR payload to see how it can transform your next project.

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