Disaster Response: The Elios 3 in the Johannesburg Gas Explosion

Key Benefits at a Glance

Safety
The explosion made it too dangerous to access the underground areas directly. However, the Elios 3 was able to collect all necessary data without putting any team members at risk, ensuring a safe and efficient operation.
Speed
Thanks to the Elios 3, Delta Scan was able to complete data collection in days rather than months, providing critical insights to authorities quickly and effectively.

Data Quality
The detailed maps and 3D models created by Delta Scan included comprehensive assessments of walls, pipes, and underground utilities, giving a clear picture of the damage.
Access
Traditional methods would have taken weeks to set up, but the Elios 3 could be deployed immediately upon arrival, allowing for fast and effective inspections.

An underground gas explosion on Lillian Ngoyi Street in Johannesburg, South Africa, in July 2023 captured global attention. The incident, which was widely shared online, showed a dramatic scene where the road was torn apart and vehicles were thrown into the air. One person was killed, and several others were injured. In the aftermath, emergency teams needed to quickly identify underground cavities caused by the blast to secure the area. They turned to Delta Scan, a specialist inspection company, to help with this critical task.
The explosion caused massive damage that was hard to assess from the surface

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 industries like mining, asset management, and oil and gas. With clients including engineers, insurers, and asset owners, they are transforming how complex audits and surveys are conducted across South Africa and beyond. Over the years, Delta Scan has built expertise in adapting to various environments. They use LiDAR and specialized software to create accurate as-built models and digital twins, helping to evaluate the real condition of assets. For confined space audits, they rely on the Elios 3 drone, which offers speed, safety, and high-quality data. This makes it ideal for emergency situations where time and precision are essential.
The Elios 3 was positioned over a manhole to begin its inspection 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 through an underground pipeline or service tunnel. Authorities wanted to determine the causeâ€”whether it was a gas leak, illegal mining, or negligence. Delta Scan was called in shortly after the event to investigate the affected underground areas, under significant time pressure. Having previously used the Elios 3 for mapping tunnels, Delta Scan knew it was the right tool for this job. As soon as they arrived, they began their investigation. Using LiDAR and visual cameras, they mapped the structural integrity of support systems, assessed the risk of further collapse, and identified damaged utility lines. The small size of the Elios 3 allowed it to maneuver through tight spaces, making it perfect for inspecting the tunnel walls and gathering evidence. Thermal imaging cameras on the drone also helped detect live cables, adding another layer of safety during the inspection.
The Advantages of Drones in Underground Mapping
Within just one week, Delta Scan collected crucial data using the Elios 3, creating detailed 3D maps of the underground ducts. The droneâ€™s compact design and powerful lighting system enabled it to navigate even in low-light conditions and beyond line-of-sight. This capability was essential in a complex and hazardous environment.
The data provided by Delta Scan allowed for a thorough analysis of the damage
This project involved major safety risks, and traditional methods would have taken weeks or even months to set up. Instead, the Elios 3 delivered results in just a few days, meeting the urgent needs of the authorities. The final report included a detailed map of both above-ground and underground damage, along with aerial images captured by other drones flying over the site.
Acting on Drone Mapping Results
Now that the damage assessment is complete, repairs are about to begin. Given the location in the heart of Johannesburgâ€™s business district, time was of the essence. The efficiency gained through the use of the Elios 3 helped accelerate the process, bringing the area back to normal more quickly. â€œWithout the drone, the inspection would have been impossible due to the high risk,â€ said Darryl Epstein, Managing Director at Delta Scan. â€œThe Elios 3 wasnâ€™t just helpfulâ€”it was essential and unmatched in its capabilities.â€
The Elios 3 combined LiDAR and visual data collection, making it ideal for this challenging task
The City of Johannesburg plans to use the findings from Delta Scanâ€™s work, along with other parts of the investigation, to improve and reconstruct the underground tunnels. The case has already led to increased calls for infrastructure audits across the city. Delta Scan praised the Elios 3 for its performance in a difficult environment. Despite smoke, dust, and limited visibility, the drone completed the inspection efficiently. The combination of skilled pilots and the droneâ€™s advanced features 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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Safety The explosion made it too dangerous to access the underground areas directly. However, the Elios 3 was able to collect all necessary data without putting any team members at risk, ensuring a safe and efficient operation.	Speed Thanks to the Elios 3, Delta Scan was able to complete data collection in days rather than months, providing critical insights to authorities quickly and effectively.
Data Quality The detailed maps and 3D models created by Delta Scan included comprehensive assessments of walls, pipes, and underground utilities, giving a clear picture of the damage.	Access Traditional methods would have taken weeks to set up, but the Elios 3 could be deployed immediately upon arrival, allowing for fast and effective inspections.