By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed on Thursday morning that the death toll in the Boksburg tanker explosion has now risen to 27.
According to departmental spokesperson Motalatale Modiba, the latest person to succumb to their injuries is a health worker.
As things stand, the number of health workers from Tambo Memorial Hospital who have died in this explosion stands at 10, Modiba said.
“Of the 13 staff members who were injured from the blast, only three are still alive and are in a critical state in hospital.”
Meanwhile, the tanker driver has been released on a warning pending further investigations.
National police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili, said 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, did not appear in court this week.
“The suspect in the Boksburg explosion was interviewed and released on warning by the police pending further investigations.
As soon as investigations are concluded, the case docket will be sent to court for a decision,” she said.