By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is expected to visit the site of a huge explosion in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.
At least ten people were confirmed dead, scores injured and six firefighters hospitalised following the explosion in Boksburg on Saturday morning.
Lesufi’s spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga said the premier will visit the explosion site near the Tambo Memorial Hospital on Saturday.
“The explosion resulted in 10 fatalities, injuring approximately 50 people.”
“Premier Lesufi will be joined by Department of Cooperative Governance (CoGTA), Transport and Logistics and Infrastructure Development MEC’s Mzi Khumalo, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela and Lebogang Maile, respectively, “Mhaga said.
According to Emer-G-Med, the Tambo Memorial Hospital was severely affected by the blast and is not accepting any patients.
“It is unconfirmed if anyone was injured within the hospital,” it added
Meanwhile the trucking company involved in the deadly gas tanker blast in Boksburg, Gauteng, says it does not know the whereabouts of the driver.
Infinite Transport director Pierre Cronje told News24 company officials were on the scene in Railway Street following the explosion but were unable to trace their driver.
“We are absolutely devastated that this happened, and we send our sincere condolences to the families affected,” he said.
“Our safety department has been on the ground since early this morning (Saturday) trying to get statements and understand what exactly transpired. We cannot confirm if the driver is dead or alive at this stage,” Cronje said.
Cronje said the driver, who was licensed, was transporting liquefied petroleum gas typically used in homes and industries for heating, cooking, lighting and cooling.
“We have six tankers, so I cannot, at this stage, say where exactly the driver was headed and whether it was across the border or locally.”