The driver of the gas tanker that caused a devastating explosion in Plantation, Boksburg on Saturday was arrested on the same night at a private hospital where he was receiving medical attention for minor injuries.

This, according to a statement by the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS.

The 32-year-old suspect has 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 and will appear in court on Wednesday.

Preliminary investigations found that the loaded gas tanker got stuck trying to drive under the bridge at around 06:15, and that an explosion followed the impact. The gas tanker was allegedly en route from Richard’s Bay to Botswana.

According to the media statement yesterday. Eight firefighters were among those injured and to date, 15 people including a 10-year-old boy had died.