The Gauteng Health Department has confirmed the death toll from the Boksburg tanker explosion now stands at 34.
This comes after a truck carrying gas got stuck under a bridge on Christmas Eve.
The tanker was transporting liquid petroleum gas (LPG) when it got stuck under a low-lying bridge in the plantation residential area, causing a leak that resulted in a deadly blast.
The explosion caused extensive damage to public and private infrastructure, as well as loss of life while many other were left seriously injured.
Speaking at the memorial service held for the victims at the Boksburg Civic Centre on Friday, Health Minister Joe Phaahla said while he acknowledged that he had to prepare for the worst, the rising death toll comes as a shock.
“On Sunday when we were at the hospital with the MEC, I did say that an event of this nature can be far-reaching in terms of its consequences- especially knowing that burns through direct heat or fire goes very deep in the body. But even as one acknowledged that we must be ready for these difficulties, I must acknowledge that the tragedy and the loss of life would be as extensive as we are seeing today.”
Phaahla was joined by MEC NOmantu Ralehoko, Ekurhuleni mayor Tania Campbell, and Tambo Memorial Hospital CEO Senzo Ndubula, at the event which honoured all the deceased which include healthcare workers.
On Wednesday Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi went to visit the bereaved families to offer support where necessary.
“The last 48 hours have been very difficult… Sadly the numbers are climbing, they are climbing at a disturbing rate and we have agreed that only the numbers verified by the police will be publicised,” he said.
Source: ENCA, Jacaranda FM, IOL, image from Twitter: @TheTruthPanther