Disasters & Accidents

South Africa fuel tanker blast death toll rises to 15

Johannesburg, Dec 25 (EFE).- The death toll from a fuel tanker explosion near South Africa’s Johannesburg rose to 15 on Sunday, according to the latest figures offered by the country’s health minister.

The blast occurred in the city of Boksburg, in South Africa’s Gauteng province, on Saturday when a gas tanker being transported by a truck hit a low bridge. The fiery explosion damaged nearby buildings including the Tambo Memorial Hospital.

Dozens were injured by the explosion.

Health minister Joe Phaahla on Sunday told reporters that three hospital employees were killed in the blast and that one family lost four relatives in the accident.

Panyaza Lesufi, the head of the local Gauteng government, told local press: “It is indeed a sad day, not only for our province but for our country.”

Emergency services spokesman William Ntladi on Saturday said the top of the cistern, which was carrying liquified petroleum gas, scraped on the underside of the bridge, causing friction that led to an explosion.

A secondary blast occurred when firefighters were on the scene. EFE

jhb-lbg/jt

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