Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed that the death toll from the gas tanker explosion in Boksburg on December 24 has risen to 37.

“Of the 37 people who died, 12 are healthcare workers [10 government employees, two agency staff], all stationed at Tambo Memorial Hospital.

“The provincial government confirms that the number of Tambo Memorial staff who were injured or died during the incident is 35, not 13, as previously communicated,” said Lesufi’s spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga.

Mhaga adds that the majority of the staff have been treated and discharged.

“Eight Ekurhuleni Emergency Services personnel were also injured. Six have been discharged from the hospital, while two have been downgraded from intensive care to general wards and are recovering well.”

Mhaga says there are still injured victims in various hospitals, and that the health department is monitoring their recovery.

Continued support from government

The provincial government says it will continue to support the affected families.

It said in a statement that while some families have already buried their loved ones, officials from national and provincial government will attend upcoming funerals to ‘provide support to the affected families’.

People affected by the tragedy are receiving counselling from clinical psychologists, social workers and chaplains. Where necessary, government, working with organisations such as Gift of the Givers and Avbob, has assisted with burial arrangements and provided other social relief measures to affected families, says the provincial government.

Meanwhile, the Brits family – who lost four children in the tragic incident – are set to hold a joint funeral service for their loved ones today.

Benoni organisations help with hospital clean-up

Benoni organisations have banded together to lend a helping hand to the Tambo Memorial Hospital.

Under the co-ordination of Ward 28 Councillor Mary Goby, the Benoni Ladies Forum (BLF), Benoni Muslim Charity Organisation, The Humanity Foundation, various security companies, chaplains, and the Benoni CPF ensured that the first responders were fed and hydrated on the day of the incident.

The volunteers again stepped up on Christmas Day, visiting bereaved families and delivering food and other essentials.

On Monday, volunteers from the BLF, BMCO, The Humanity Foundation, and willing members of the community again descended on the hospital – this time armed with brooms and shovels to clean the wards and grounds.