Boksburg driver

The death toll in the horrific Boksburg tanker explosion stands at 18. Image via Twitter/@BHatting1.

Boksburg tanker explosion: Driver to appear in court on Wednesday

The driver of the tanker that exploded in Boksburg and killed 18 people will appear in court on Wednesday, 28 December.

Boksburg driver

The death toll in the horrific Boksburg tanker explosion stands at 18. Image via Twitter/@BHatting1.

The driver of the tanker that exploded and killed 18 people in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni is expected to appear in court on Wednesday, 28 December.

The driver was arrested on Saturday, 24 December at a private hospital where he had been receiving medical treatment for minor injuries.

BOKSBURG TANKER DRIVER TO APPPEAR IN COURT

According to the Gauteng Department of Health, the tanker got stuck under a bridge and started leaking resulting in a massive explosion that caused extensive damage to private and public infrastructure within an estimated 500 metres from the scene. Sadly eight more people who had sustained severe burns and injuries have since demised as of Monday, 26 December 2022. 

According to the department, of the 18 deceased people, nine are Tambo Memorial Hospital staff (consisting of one driver, eight nurses)

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the 32-year-old suspect has been charged with multiple counts of culpable homicide, negligent causing of an explosion resulting in death [Act 26 of 1956, Section 27 (2)] and malicious damage to property.

ALSO READ: Boksburg tanker explosion: Driver arrested as death toll increases

Gauteng Health Head of Communication, Motalatale Modiba, said families can now identify their deceased loved ones. 

Modiba said affected families can now visit the mortuary to identify their loved ones at the Germiston Forensic Pathology Services situated at 10 Long Street, Germiston (behind SAPS Germiston). They can also make contact on 082 306 2887, a 24-hour line. The Forensic Pathology Services operate from 08:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays and weekends. However, given the need to assist families, the offices will be opened on Tuesday, 27 December 2022.