EFF calls for arrest of truck company CEO after Boksburg gas tanker explosion

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for the arrest of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the logistics company whose truck caused a massive explosion in Boksburg.

At least ten people were killed, scores injured and six firefighters hospitalised following the explosion in Boksburg on Saturday morning.

This comes after a gas tanker allegedly got stuck under a bridge and caught fire.

It’s understood that the gas tanker exploded as the firefighters were busy extinguishing the flames.

Arrest of CEO

The red berets said the head of the logistics company that owned the truck must be arrested.

“Ultimately, the CEO is responsible for all operations of the company and is culpable for the tragedy.

“The authorities must not treat the CEO as a bystander. The lives lost and damage caused demand that someone is held accountable criminally and the CEO is the first respondent to this tragic crisis. Failure to arrest him before the end of the day will undermine any effort to hold the company accountable,” the party said.

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The EFF said it is saddened by the loss of lives in the explosion.

“The unprecedented explosion has traumatised the people of Boksburg and the nation at large, with horrifying scenes of bodies strewn across the area and victims of severe burns needing urgent medical attention.”

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Railway infrastructure must be improved

The EFF added that the explosion reaffirmed its called to improve South Africa’s railway infrastructure to avoid the over-burdening presence of trucks on the roads.

“Countless tragedies on our roads are a result of the transportation of goods, particularly minerals by trucks over long distances, and that a gas-tanker got stuck under a bridge confirms that South African roads and infrastructure are not suitable for the transportation of hazardous substances in civilian areas.”

The EFF sent its condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the explosion.

“We call for law enforcement agencies to continue to secure the area and all civilians to avoid the route until it is declared safe by the relevant authorities,” the party said.

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