Eight people died and many were injured when a gas tanker exploded in Boksburg in Gauteng this morning, 24 December. Emergency workers are on the scene which has been described as a warzone on Railway Street near Tambo Memorial Hospital.
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As reported by News24 – Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesperson William Ntladi said eight people died and scores of injured people were admitted to the hospital’s casualty unit.
However, there is concern that hospital patients will need to be evacuated because the explosion has caused a structural collapse at the hospital.
Ntladi said, “We can confirm that a roof section (sic) at the hospital casualty department has collapsed.
“Apparently, a gas tanker drove under the subway bridge and got stuck in there, and due to friction, it caught alight.”
Firefighters from Boksburg Central Fire Station were called to the scene to help extinguish the fire.
Ntladi added that the explosion took place while firefighters were suppressing the blaze, a fire engine and two vehicles were destroyed in the blast.
“The fire is under control, and more information will be given later.”
Our sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased.
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