Information reaching Kossyderrickent has it that 32-year-old South African gas truck driver, Hlakanipho Shangase, has been arrested after explosion in Boksburg, South Africa.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla confirmed on Sunday that the death toll from Saturday’s gas tanker explosion in Boksburg rose to 15.
He said one family had lost four relatives in the incident. Phaahla said the driver was not injured in the incident because he “anticipated trouble” moments before the deadly explosion.
“The information, if true, knowing what he was carrying… he did anticipate trouble, and it was alleged that he actually tried to warn people to keep far [away]. That is the story one is getting.
“The police would be much more familiar with the whereabouts [of the driver].” On Sunday, Phaahla and Gauteng health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko were at the hospital to assess infrastructure and medical equipment that was damaged as a result of the truck explosion.
He said major structural damage was reported at the accident scene and emergency unit and X-ray departments of the hospital.
“The Casualty and Radiology Departments are not accessible until structural engineers have done their work,” Phaahla said. “By the end of next week, there will be a high-level report covering various areas to give a sense of… the state of the hospital and what kind of work will need to be done to get the facilities on track.”
He said the hospital was not taking any new patients. The police add that the death toll has risen to 15.
“Preliminary investigations found that the loaded gas tanker got stuck trying to drive through a low bridge and the impact resulted in an explosion. The gas tanker was allegedly driving from Richard’s Bay en route to Botswana.
“The driver as well as several people who sustained injuries including eight firefighters were taken to various hospitals for medical treatment. Thus far, 15 people are reported to have sustained fatal injuries including a 10-year-old boy.
“The full damage to infrastructure as well as private property will be communicated in due course. The incident scene is still being cleared. Gauteng Police Spokesperson Brenda Muridili says the driver was arrested earlier on Sunday.
“The driver as well as several people who sustained injuries, including eight firefighters were taken to various hospitals for medical treatment. Thus far, 15 people are reported to have sustained fatal injuries including a 10-year-old boy. The full damage to infrastructure as well as private property will be communicated in due course. The incident scene is still being cleared. The suspect will appear before the Boksburg Magistrates on 28 December.”
It has been bleak Christmas for families that lost their loved ones Saturday morning as a result of the gas tanker that exploded.
The death toll announced by Health Minister Joe Phaahla on Sunday, stood at 15 fatalities while some still in hospital from severe burn wounds.
Three of the deceased were staff members from the Tambo Memorial Hospital, which was also affected by the blast.
While some woke up in the morning with kids rushing to the Christmas tree to open their gifts, Plantation woke up to a sombre mood. The sound of the opening of wrapping paper was replaced by the tape blocking off the area of the blast where some lost their loved ones.
A weeping Rosetta Brits stood by the wreaked railway line expressing grief over four of her children.
Her teenagers, Jamel Eagles, Sabastian Brits, Adriaan Brits were killed in the blast. Her 10-year-old Gerrie Brits also didn’t survive horrific explosion.
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