By: Natasha Archary
As the death toll from the Boksburg tanker explosion climbs to 15, police have confirmed that the driver of the tanker has been arrested.
The 32-year old driver has since been charged with multiple counts of culpable homicide, negligent driving, causing an explosion and malicious damage to property.
This after the driver escaped the deadly tanker explosion on Saturday, 24 December.
The gas tanker was transporting liquified petroleum gas from Richards Bay to Botswana, when it got stuck under a bridge in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.
Boksburg GP 👆
— 🔞SA911 (@JustdoitZee) December 24, 2022
There's a big fire involving a gas truck and 4 cars under the train bridge next to BBH
Gas truck explode under bridge at BBH
Avoid Railway Road and Hospital Road. It was definitely this that caused the explosion
13-15 Hospital Rdhttps://t.co/MOieaoqSDZ pic.twitter.com/M3YuTrmbpw
While the driver was hospitalised for minor injuries, he escaped the explosion, which claimed multiple lives.
According to reports, the Boksburg tanker explosion caused damage to the railway, road infrastructure and OR Tambo Hospital.
Scores of others were injured in the explosion, including 24 patients and 13 hospital staff members who sustained severe burns.
On Christmas Day, police confirmed that 15 people, including a 10-year old child have died from the explosion.
One mother, Rosetta Britz lost four of her children in the blast.
Officials say a number of fireman and emergency services personnel were also injured.
The driver had allegedly warned people to stay clear of the tanker after he realised the vehicle was not going to budge.
Preliminary reports suggest the explosion was a result of the tanker’s impact with the bridge.
Tanker explosion in Boksburg leaves ten dead, numerous others injured. https://t.co/CM4yhv8QMq #ArriveAlive #TankerExplosion #Boksburg @ER24EMS pic.twitter.com/TgHFXdrF6b
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 24, 2022
Also read: Mampintsha’s untimely death at 40 has been confirmed



