The scene of the explosion in Boksburg, on 24 December, 2022, after a gas tanker drove into a low-lying bridge. Photo: Hein Kaiser
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has conveyed its condolences to South Africa following the deadly Boksburg gas tanker explosion.
Ten people, of which two are children, died when the truck got stuck under a bridge outside the Tambo Memorial Hospital in Boksburg, and then exploded on Saturday.
At least 37 other people, including six firefighters, were reported to have been injured in the blast.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said it is saddened by the deaths.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs express regret of the death and injury of a number of people as a result of the explosion of a gas tanker in the City of Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa.
“The ministry also extends its condolences to the government and people of the Republic of South Africa, and wishes the injured a speedy recovery,” it said.
Meanwhile, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko joined the Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla at Tambo Memorial Hospital to assess the impact of the Boksburg gas tanker explosion on the functioning of the hospital.
Several homes and the hospital were damaged in the blast.
According to reports, patients in some units at the hospital had to be evacuated because of the explosion and fire.
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers has also come to the aid of the families of the victims killed and those who were injured in the Boksburg gas tanker explosion.
Gift of the Givers’ Dr Imtiaz Sooliman told The Citizen, the destruction caused by the explosion in Boksburg is far greater than anyone can currently envisage.
“We have put the services of our partner ambulance, Medi Response, on standby and will fund any ambulances required. We thank the health and emergency services, SAPS, fire fighters and the neighbouring community for their incredible response,” he said.
ALSO READ: Gift of the Givers responds to Boksburg gas tanker explosion
Meanwhile, the company that employed the driver that was involved in the fuel tanker explosion in Boksburg said it is investigating the incident.
Innovative Staffing Solutions (ISS) said it had started an “internal and independent investigation” into the circumstances of the fuel tanker explosion.
ALSO READ: Boksburg explosion: Company launches investigation after its ‘experienced’ driver was in truck
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