Gift of the Givers has offered its assistance to the Joint Operation Command. File photo: Gift of the Givers
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers has come to the aid of the families of the victims killed and those who were injured in the Boksburg gas tanker explosion.
Ten people, of which two were children, died in the blast after the tanker allegedly got stuck under a bridge and caught fire on Saturday.
It’s understood that the gas tanker exploded as the firefighters were busy extinguishing the flames.
At least 37 other people, including six firefighters, were reported to have been injured in the explosion.
Gift of the Givers said the destruction caused by the explosion in Boksburg is far greater than anyone can currently envisage.
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Gift of the Givers founder Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman told The Citizen, the NGO has offered its assistance to the Joint Operation Command (JOC), “our head of search and rescue, Ahmed Bham, is part of the JOC.”
“We have put the services of our partner ambulance, Medi Response, on standby and will fund any ambulances required. Congratulations to the health and emergency services, SAPS, fire fighters and the neighbouring community for their incredible response,” he said.
Dr. Sooliman said several other organisations have also assisted in the relief efforts.
“Mr First Aid, City Med other medical companies and Lenmed are providing us with essential consumables required before festive shutdown at 12 noon today, most likely until 4 January 2023 so we can support public hospitals with what’s required.”
“The President of the SA Burns Association, Dr Saajida Ghoor, called to offer assist if medical specialists are required. For now everything is under control.
“Non-medical support for fire fighters, health care workers, staff, patients and families in the form of bottled water, energy drinks, energy bars, biscuits, chocolates, fruit and eye gene for fire fighters are being supplied by Gift teams. Our trucks will serve as a storage site on the hospital grounds,” Dr. Sooliman said.
Dr. Sooliman added that its specialist team members from throughout the country have offered their services, if required during the festive season.
“Our prayers go out to all those families affected by this tragic incident. All strength to fire fighters, emergency personnel, health care workers and a generous nation,” he said.
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