Authorities are investigating possible structural and property damage after an explosion struck a Woolworths food outlet at a shopping centre in Bloemfontein.

The blast occurred during the early hours of Friday morning (29 May) at the Woolworths store in Preller Square, located in the northern part of the city. Journalists arriving at the scene shortly after the incident found shocked staff members and members of the public gathered outside the centre.

Although the explosion caused concern among tenants and shoppers, nearby businesses inside the complex did not appear to suffer visible damage.

Police immediately sealed off the affected area while specialist units, including K9 teams and bomb disposal experts, searched the premises amid concerns that another explosive device could be hidden on site.

Officials at the scene confirmed that the explosion had taken place inside the Woolworths Food store. At that point, however, investigators had not located any additional devices.

After the search operation was completed, most sections of Preller Square were reopened to the public. The Woolworths outlet remained closed as forensic teams continued examining the area, which has officially been classified as an active crime scene.

The incident follows a similar explosion that took place on Thursday (28 May 2026) at the Woolworths store in Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria. Authorities have not yet established whether the two explosions are connected.

Free State police spokesperson Sgt Mahlomola Kareli said the Hawks have now taken over the investigation.

“There was an explosion inside Woolworths, and our explosives unit is still processing the scene to determine whether there may have been another device or a secondary blast,” Kareli explained.

He added that while the rest of the shopping centre had resumed operations, the affected section of the Woolworths store remained closed off to the public.

“Other sections of the mall are operating normally, but the specific area where the explosion happened is still being treated as a crime scene,” he said.

Kareli noted that the explosion occurred in a relatively confined space, which amplified the sound of the blast.

Police have urged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious objects or unattended parcels to authorities rather than attempting to handle them.

“If anyone notices a suspicious package, they should avoid touching it and contact police immediately so the explosives unit can investigate,” Kareli said.

No injuries or fatalities have been reported. Investigators are continuing to examine the cause of the explosion and whether it may be linked to the earlier Pretoria incident.

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