By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African Police Services (SAPS) have arrested the 32-year-old driver of the gas tanker that exploded in Boksburg on Saturday.
The 32-year-old suspect faces multiple counts of culpable homicide, negligence and is expected to appear in court on 28 December.
Gauteng police commissioner Elias Mawela said “A negligent and reckless driving case will be opened against the driver so that we can establish whether the driver was at fault. For now we cannot say whether he was negligent or not… On the damaged property, we need to open a case of malicious damage to property so that we can establish who is responsible, whether it was intentional, and so forth.”
Preliminary investigations suggest that the gas tanker got stuck trying to drive through a low bridge and impact resulted in the explosion. The tanker was travelling from Richards Bay to Botswana.
Scores were injured during the incident on Saturday. Fifteen people, including a 10-year-old, have died. One family had lost four relatives in the incident.
An estimated 24 patients and 13 staff members were in the hospital’s emergency unit at the time of the explosion and sustained severe burns. All of them were transferred to neighbouring hospitals.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said a truck from the fire department, the gas truck, two cars and two houses were destroyed in the explosion, while other houses suffered damage.
“We wish we could explain what happened, but it’s extremely difficult because we have to rely on those assigned in pulling out the facts,” Lesufi said.
He said he was told one family had lost four members.
“It’s a sad day for our province and for our country, and we want to express our sincere condolences to the affected family.”
Ekurhuleni mayor Tania Campbell said the authorities will evaluate how to provide temporary shelter for the displaced.
Meanwhile the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed its condolences and said that it stands in solidarity with South Africa after 15 people died in an accidental explosion in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday.
The Ambassador of the UAE, HE Mahash Alhameli, said he extends his prayers and support to those who were affected in the incident.