UPDATED:
Johannesburg – At least 10 people have been killed and many others left with severe burn wounds after a tanker laden with LP gas crashed into a bridge and exploded near OR Tambo Memorial Hospital in Boksburg.
First responders on the scene on Saturday morning said the hospital was on fire and patients were scrambling to safety.
Emer-G-Med said paramedics were on the scene after the explosion along Railway Street, in the Boksburg Area, at about 08h00.
“Reports from the scene are that a tanker carrying LP gas caught fire following a collision, which led to it exploding,” said Emer-G-Med.
Several people were seen walking around with severe burns. Their clothes were completely burned.
Emer-G-Med said paramedics together with multiple emergency service agencies were in attendance.
Some of the injured – including firemen – were treated on the scene for injuries ranging from minor to moderate.
“The official patient count will be released by the city in due course however at this point in time it is believed to be that of approximately 30 people who sustained life threatening injuries,” said Emer-G-Med.
“Ten people suffered fatal injuries.”
“Infrastructure in the area suffered substantial damage in the blast.
“The OR Tambo Memorial Hospital is currently closed due to damage sustained and an official inspection by engineers will be done, with a statement issued by the department,” said Emer-G-Med.
“Six firefighters suffered injuries and a fire engine was destroyed in the blast,” said Emer-G-Med.
“Two people have been airlifted from the scene.”
initial reports said the tragedy unfolded after the driver forced the extended-height tanker to fit under a bridge near the Boksburg Railway Station.
While the driver was trying to force the tanker through it scraped the bridge causing sparks. The gas then caught alight, resulting in a deadly explosion.
Cargo and fleet company Infinite Group based in Sasolburg owns the tanker that exploded.
Visuals of the inside of the hospital show the devastating aftermath of the explosion. Patients in the wards have been evacuated, but no injuries were reported.
The hospital was unable to accept any patients, Emer-G-Med said.
The Netcare911 aeromedical helicopter has been activated to airlift a critically burned patient to Netcare Millpark.
In addition, aeromedical support from Rocket and Halo HEMS services landed on the scene and will be airlifting critically injured patients through to specialist facilities.
“We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by the incident,” said Emer-G-Med.
“To all emergency service agencies who worked hand in hand to help the injured as well as the fire department who managed to contain the massive blaze, we thank you.”
Meanwhile, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Cooperative Governance MEC Mzi Khumalo, Transport and Logistics MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, and Infrastructure Development MEC Lebogang Mail were on their way to the scene of the tragedy.
