As families anxiously await for answers following the deadly Boksburg gas tanker explosion, the death toll has risen to 27 after another healthcare worker succumbed to her injuries today, this was confirmed by the Gauteng Department of Health’s chief director Motalatale Modiba.
The gas truck exploded near the OR Tambo Hospital in Boksburg on Christmas Eve killing more than 20 people and injuring scores of others, damaging parts of the hospital, rail and road infrastructure, nearby houses and cars.
“We can confirm that as of today 29 December 2022 we have now 27 people who have since passed on as a result of having sustained serious injuries from the Boksburg explosion.
“The police have confirmed and verified the death figures. It has been a very difficult week. The impact of the disaster is felt far and wide. And has been most devastating for the families including those who are in the frontline providing healthcare services.
“Of the 27 deaths, sadly we again have lost another healthcare worker which brings the total number of healthcare workers from Tambo Memorial hospital to 10 who have since passed on.
“Of the 13 staff members who were injured from the blast only three are still alive and the three are in a critical state in hospital,” said the chief director of communication in the Gauteng Department of Health Motalatale Modiba.
On Wednesday, the bereaved families were calling for accountability for the deadly explosion. The family of two of the victims – Ndumiso and Neo Mashaba said they want justice for their loved ones.
“We want answers from the company, answers from those investigating the scene. Residents saw things, residents heard things so we need to know. Who was this man (the driver), why was he not on the scene, he must be arrested and brought to book.
“Just making sure the driver in question is arrested. The company needs to answer on what he was doing in a residential area with hazardous content,” said the family spokesperson Nelisiwe Masango.
The charges against the 32-year-old truck driver were dropped earlier pending an investigation.
Police initially charged the driver with multiple counts of culpable homicide, negligence by causing an explosion resulting in death and damage to property.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has not ruled out the commission of inquiry in the deadly gas truck explosion, he said.
“We are still briefing families so we will continue to give support. I am on standby and I have asked the director general of the department to also be on standby.
“Where we feel that things are moving slowly, we are prepared to appoint a commission of inquiry because the constitution of this country empowers me as the premier of this province to appoint a commission of inquiry.
“I am ready to do so if I sense that there is a delay one way or another because I owe it to these families to give them answers,” said Lesufi.
