New York – The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed his deep sadness over the reported death of at least 34 people in South Africa, due to a fuel tanker explosion in a suburb of the capital, Johannesburg, on Christmas Eve.
The blast in Boksburg severely damaged the roof of the emergency department at the Tambo Memorial hospital there, killing and injuring dozens while also rdestroying houses and cars.
Initial reports estimated 27 deaths, but that figure had risen to 34 by the past weekend, regional health authorities said on Friday.
The secretary-general expresses his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives from the explosion and to the people and the government of South Africa, said the statement issued by the office of the UN Spokesperson.
The secretary-general wishes a full and fast recovery for those injured and the quick reconstruction of the damaged health infrastructure.”
A memorial service for the dead was held last Friday.
The deceased include nearly a dozen health workers, and almost double that number of members of the public. Children were also among those who perished. ,
Due to serious injuries caused by burns, the death toll could rise still further.
