R65m lawsuit filed over gas tanker explosion
The explosion killed 41 people and injured dozens more.
Nearly three years after the devastating gas tanker explosion in Boksburg on Christmas Eve 2022, justice is being sought for those affected by the tragedy, with a law firm filing a R65m claim on behalf of 67 victims.
The explosion killed 41 people, injured dozens more, and caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure.
The tragedy unfolded when a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker became wedged under a low railway bridge near Tambo Memorial Hospital and exploded in a massive fireball. The blast partially destroyed the bridge, damaged nearby homes and buildings, and sent shockwaves through the residential area, leaving a trail of destruction and grief.
Legal action launched
LHL Attorneys Inc has initiated legal proceedings in the Johannesburg High Court, seeking financial compensation for the victims’ loss, injuries, and emotional trauma.
“The firm has cited three defendants in the legal proceedings: Infinite Fleet Transport (Pty) Ltd, the company that owns the tanker; Innovative Staffing Solutions (Pty) Ltd, the labour broker responsible for the driver; and the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality,” said Gabrielle Berkowitz of LHL Attorneys.
According to the lawsuit, Infinite Fleet Transport is accused of failing to implement proper monitoring and route-planning systems that could have guided the driver along a safer alternative route, avoiding the low-clearance railway bridge. Innovative Staffing Solutions allegedly neglected its responsibility to ensure the driver was adequately trained to transport hazardous materials.
The City of Ekurhuleni is being held accountable for its alleged failure to provide sufficient road signage warning of the low bridge and for what is described as an inadequate emergency response.
The claim has been divided into four categories: loss of support, injury, property damage, and grief and emotional distress.
“This was a catastrophe that could have been prevented,” Berkowitz added.
City responds
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed that the metro is aware of the lawsuit and has received the legal documents.
“Our legal team is studying the documents. Save to say that we will be defending the matter in court,” Dlamini said.
A mother’s ongoing grief
Among the victims seeking justice is Mama Rose Mashaba, who lost three beloved family members in the explosion: her daughter Vutivi Mlati (35), her son Ndumiso Mashaba (25), and her daughter-in-law Neo Mashaba.
Vutivi was a research nurse, Ndumiso a coach at Parkrand Primary School, and Neo an IT intern.
In addition to the emotional loss, Mashaba’s home suffered extensive damage, including to the ceilings, windows, and geyser.
Mashaba, a retired teacher, says she is still trying to rebuild her life.
“It’s still difficult. I’m just crossing my fingers and praying that we get compensated somehow. In my case, I lost breadwinners and my house was damaged,” she said.
“They also used to help me assist underprivileged children in the community. I still work with children, helping them with reading once a week and feeding them, just to keep myself busy.”
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