According to a local official, the number of fatalities from a fuel tanker explosion that occurred on Christmas Eve near Johannesburg has increased to 26. (Dec. 28).
During a visit to console the victims’ families, the provincial prime minister informed them of the update.
In Johannesburg, relatives of the deceased gathered for a memorial service honoring their loved ones.
On December 24, an explosion and leak from a truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) under a bridge in Boksburg seriously damaged a nearby hospital.
It contained 60,000 liters of LPG, which is frequently used in cooking and equates to almost 16,000 US gallons.
Initially, ten people died. The health authorities reported on Monday that eight more people died from severe burns and other injuries in the days that followed.
The driver who was detained on suspicion of culpable homicide was released, according to reports in the local media.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and friends and said he was waiting for the results of the investigations into the tragedy.
