Police officers and forensic experts stand beside bodies in Boksburg, a city east of Johannesburg
JOHANNESBURG, Dec 30 (NNN-SANEWS) — Mourners are expected to pay their respects to the victims of the of Boksburg explosion during a memorial service hosted by the Gauteng provincial government on Friday at the Boksburg Civic Centre.
The death toll of the explosion incident of a truck near the OR Tambo Memorial Hospital on Saturday, Dec 24, now reportedly stands at 27.
According to a media report, 10 of the deceased are health workers from Tambo Memorial Hospital.
Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, together with Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, are expected to attend the memorial service.
President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this week expressed deep sadness at the continued loss of life following the explosion.
“The nation’s hearts go out to everyone affected by this devastating incident. Such events take on greater sadness and tragedy when they occur at this time of year when all of us pray for safety and look forward to the togetherness and comfort of extended time with family and friends.
“In this instance, the loss of life is rendered more intense because some of the victims were hospital patients, hospital staff and children, while firefighters are counted among the injured.
“While we await the outcome of investigations into this tragedy, this incident does, like so many others, call on all of us to show due care and to avoid risk when we are out on our roads, which we share as a public amenity,” the President said.
He has expressed his appreciation for the rescue and recovery efforts by government agencies and services, as well as organisations such as Gift of the Givers.
The truck driver has been released on a warning pending further investigation.
The 32-year-old suspect had been charged with multiple counts of culpable homicide, negligent causing of an explosion, resulting in death [Act 26 of 1956, Section 27 (2)] and malicious damage to property. — NNN-SANEWS
