The devastating explosion of a tanker truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas on Christmas Eve near eastern Johannesburg has resulted in a tragic death toll of 34, including 10 health workers at a nearby hospital. The incident occurred when the truck, which was en route to Botswana from South Africa’s Indian Ocean port of Richards Bay, got stuck under a low-lying bridge in the town of Boksburg. As firefighters attempted to extinguish the flames, the tanker exploded, releasing a “fire bomb” that substantially damaged Tambo Memorial Hospital, located about 100 meters away.
The hospital’s emergency unit and X-ray department were among the worst affected, with several health workers in the parking lot at the time of the explosion. Some were on their way to leave after their shifts, while others were trying to move their cars away from the fire. The damaged hospital was subsequently overwhelmed with casualties, with at least 321 injured people requiring treatment. Many of these were transferred to other hospitals in the Johannesburg area.
The explosion also caused significant damage to nearby houses and vehicles, with residents describing the scene as chaotic. “A fireball in the sky,” resident Rolf Bjornstad told South Africa’s News24 website. “There was heat coming into the house. I thought of my wife, kids, and helping the affected people,” he said.
Tragedy Strikes on Christmas Eve in Boksburg
The 32-year-old driver of the tanker truck was taken into custody a few days after the accident but was later released due to insufficient evidence to charge him. The South Africa Council of Churches held a memorial service to honor the memory of those killed in the tragedy.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by transporting hazardous materials and the devastating consequences of even the smallest miscalculation. The fact that the tanker was carrying liquefied petroleum gas, which is used in homes and industries for heating and cooking, only adds to the gravity of the situation.
As the town of Boksburg begins to come to terms with the devastation, the community is left to mourn the loss of 34 lives, including those of the 10 health workers who lost their lives in the explosion. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and the devastating consequences of human error.
