Firefighter critically injured in JHB fuel tanker explosion Photos: Twitter
Firefighter critically injured in JHB fuel tanker explosion
A firefighter was amongst those who were critically injured while eight people were killed in a fuel tanker explosion in JHB.
Firefighter critically injured in JHB fuel tanker explosion Photos: Twitter
A firefighter was critically injured when a fuel tanker exploded in Johannesburg on Saturday morning.
IN THE LATEST UPDATE – EIGHT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED DEAD
Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesperson William Ntladi said it was believed that the fire broke out after the truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas scraped the top of its roof while driving under a low-lying bridge.
“Apparently, a gas tanker drove under the subway bridge and got stuck in there, and due to friction, it caught alight,” said Ntladi.
He said six firefighters from Boksburg Central Fire Station were called to the scene to help extinguish the fire.
A FIRE ENGINE AND TWO VEHICLES WERE DESTROYED BY THE BLAST
“While doing the fire suppression, there was an explosion that took place.”
William Ntladi
He said a fire engine and two motor vehicles were also destroyed in the explosion.
Firefighters were still on the scene battling the blaze and were also attending to two homes nearby following the explosion.
According to Emer-G-Med spokesperson Kyle van Reenen, eight people were killed in the blast, while several people sustained injuries ranging from critical to minor.
He said by 11:00 on Saturday morning, paramedics and emergency service were still busy on the scene.
SEVERAL CRITICALLY INJURED PEOPLE HAVE BEEN AIRLIFTED
Several critically injured people have been airlifted to various hospitals.
Meanwhile, multiple patients inside the Thambo Memorial Hospital were also injured in the blast. The hospital itself was also damaged.
The hospital is CLOSED to the public while emergency services are still busy on the scene.
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‘SEVERAL FATALITIES HAVE BEEN REPORTED’
“Emer-G-Med paramedics, together with multiple emergency service agencies, are currently in attendance in Railway Street in the Boksburg Area south of Johannesburg.
“A fuel tanker has exploded. At this stage, we can confirm there have been multiple people left with critical injuries and several fatalities.”
Kyle van Reenen
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The public is advised to avoid the area, and motorists are urged to use alternative routes.
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Please note this is a developing story. We will keep you updated.
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