Gas tanker tragedy: Premier confirms death toll has reached 40
Five injured people are still under treatment in Gauteng hospitals.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed on January 12 that the Boksburg gas tanker explosion had claimed 40 lives.
“There are no words to adequately convey words of condolences to the families that are now having to deal with 2023 they did not foresee. It will take time for the wounds to heal. We are ready to walk this journey with them to assist in whichever way we can,” said Lesufi.
The premier explained that five injured people are still in various hospitals (Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Pholosong Hospital and Thelle Mogoerane Hospital) and 23 have been discharged.
“Our report is based on the confirmed numbers. This may change as we get more confirmations from the facilities.
With regard to the eight Ekurhuleni Emergency Medical Services personnel who were also injured during the explosion, the status quo is still as per our last update.
“Six have been discharged, while two remain in hospital.”
Tambo Memorial Hospital
Lesufi said due to the urgent nature of the damage to the hospital, the Department of Infrastructure Development appointed a contractor on December 26 to repair doors and windows.
“We can confirm that the construction work for the replacement of broken windows at the hospital, including the nurse’s residence, has been completed.
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“Some of the work is almost at the completion stage following delays because of the festive period break. Due to the extent of the damage, the casualty unit at the hospital remains closed.
“The department’s maintenance team developed specifications and costing for the remedial work needed for the restoration of the unit.”
He added the specifications and costing were approved by the Gauteng Department of Health to allow the department to appoint a contractor and commence repair work.
“A contractor was appointed on January 4. The anticipated date of commencement of repairs was January 9 with a project duration of four weeks.
“We continue to stand with the many families whose lives have been changed forever by the tragic incident. This has not been an easy period, particularly for those who lost their loved ones. We implore our health professionals to provide the best care to those that are still on the road to recovery.”
Civil claims
Lesufi said he is aware some of the affected families are considering or are taking steps to institute a class-action suit.
“They are well within their rights to pursue whatever means of recourse available to them within our legal system.
This, however, does not mean that government must not pursue the matter to its logical conclusion.
“We owe it to the many lives that have been lost and the many people injured, including the affected families, to see to it that justice prevails.
“As painful as this chapter is, it must end with justice being served, which means people must be held accountable for the tragic loss of life and families need to find closure.
“The provincial government continues to provide support to the affected families in the form of trauma debriefing services.
“The City of Ekurhuleni’s community development workers are conducting door-to-door visits in the area to identify and refer affected families who have not yet received any assistance following the explosion.”
The City of Ekurhuleni to act
Last week Ekurhuleni Mayor Tania Campbell said that since the day of the explosion, various departments in the city have been working tirelessly to ensure that a thorough and meaningful investigation takes place to ascertain what happened on the day and the way forward.
She added the city is exploring legal options to act against both the company that owns the truck and the driver of the truck.
“We believe that there is sufficient evidence to do so. More information in this regard will be communicated in due course.
“Once all investigations are concluded, we will show no fear nor favour in holding those responsible to account,” said Campbell.
Help still needed
Various NPOs continue to work in Plantation on a daily basis to help affected families. These organisations are always in need of support through donations or people getting involved as volunteers.
If you would like to help in any way in Plantation, email the newsroom at boksburgadvertiser@caxton.co.za and we will direct you to the various organisations.
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