The death toll in the tragic gas tanker explosion in Boksburg on Christmas Eve has reached 40.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed the recent fatalities in a press briefing earlier today.

“There are no words to adequately convey our condolence to the affected families…

“It will take time for the wounds to heal, but we are ready as the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG), along with all components of local government, to walk this painful journey with all the affected families and further assist in whichever way we can,” Lesufi said.

He added that the death toll includes 12 healthcare workers who were at the Tambo Memorial Hospital on the fateful day.

According to the premier, 23 people have thus far been discharged from hospital.

Legal steps to be taken

While the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality weighs up their legal options, Lesufi says some of the affected families have said they will take legal action against the company that owns the gas tanker.

“We believe it is within their rights to pursue whatever means of recourse available to them within the legal system. This, however, does not mean that government must not pursue the matter to its logical conclusion.

“As government, we have not abandoned our mission to protect, care and give them [the families] the necessary support. We will be the last ones on the scene and until each and every family is supported, until each and every institution is supported, I want to commit the GPG to be there until the last moment,” he stated, explaining that psychosocial workers continue to provide support.

The Citizen reported this afternoon that RH Lawyers Incorporated will assist at least 20 people to institute legal action and file a class action lawsuit.

Hospital services resume

Boksburg Advertiser reported today that the antenatal clinic, operating theatre, outpatient department and maternity services at the hospital are once again operational. Areas still affected include the accident and emergency unit, radiology and clinical departments, and maternity services for high-risk patients.

Hospital CEO Zenzo Ndabulo could not confirm when the affected areas are going to be restored and what the costs will be.

“We never admitted any patients from the explosion. The ambulance services were told not to bring any patients here, which is still the case. We’re not taking in accident and emergency patients,” he explained.

Lesufi, however, said that the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development has made progress in repairing the hospital.

“The construction work for the replacement of broken windows at the hospital, including the nurses’ residence, has been completed. Some of the [other] work is almost complete, following delays because of the festive season break,” he said.

Lesufi confirmed that ‘due to the extent of the damage, the casualty unit at the hospital remains closed’, but said that a contractor has been appointed to do the necessary remedial work, which should be completed in four weeks’ time.