Boksburg gas tanker tragedy: Memorial drive honours gas tanker explosion victims
The drive served as a token of appreciation to first responders who jumped in to assist after the explosion.
Hearing birds happily chirping in Plantation on December 24, it is difficult to imagine that exactly a year ago a gas tanker explosion left this quiet little community shattered and in despair.
On the day of the one-year anniversary of the explosion that ultimately took the lives of 41 people, EMS Chaplaincy and Trauma Support and 1 Life Rescue held a memorial drive in honour of those affected by the explosion.
In addition to remembering the victims, the drive was also a token of appreciation to the first responders to the chaos that unfolded shortly after 07:00 that morning when a gas tanker that had become lodged under the bridge in Hospital Road exploded.
The stakeholders who wanted to be part of the initiative met in front of the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court and made their way to the vicinity of the bridge in a convoy at about 07:30.
Emotions ran high as attendees remembered the day of the horrific incident.
Taking the stage, Pastor Brian Lehoko said a year ago life for the community was turned into turmoil.
“I know that we are heartbroken and that we have flashbacks, but as we stand here today, we just want to ask God for mercy.”
Pastor Ben van Staden said this tragedy is one of the most difficult to erase from your mind.
“What we saw and experienced was horrific. Thank you to every member that is here from the first responders, chaplaincies, police and everyone that assisted. It was a disaster that brought the community together,” said Van Staden.
The event was concluded with a minute of silence for the victims. Francois Jansen van Rensburg lit a candle in their honour.
Rosetta Brits, who lost four of her children that day, also attended the memorial drive.
She could not hold back her tears during the service and said it was a painful day for her.
“I shouldn’t have come here today,” she said.
One of the organisers Justin Coetzee, expressed his gratitude to those who supported the memorial drive.
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