18 people have died as a result of a fuel tanker explosion that occurred in a South African city east of Johannesburg last week, according to local health authorities on Monday.
On Saturday in Boksburg, a vehicle transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) became stuck underneath a bridge, resulting in a leak and explosion that at first killed 10 people and caused extensive damage.
Since then, eight more persons have passed away from serious burns and injuries, according to a statement from the local health authority.
After the explosion blew out its windows and collapsed its roofing, nine of the 18 victims—including a driver and eight nurses—worked at the adjacent Tambo Memorial Hospital.
37 individuals, including 24 patients and 13 staff members, suffered severe burns on the hospital grounds and were transferred to other medical facilities.
According to the local health service, the explosion caused “severe damage to private and public property within an estimated 500 meters (1,640 ft) from the scene.”
Social media videos depicted a massive blaze beneath the bridge, which the tanker appeared to be too high to pass under.
It was carrying 60,000 litres of LPG, which is used especially in cooking and gas stoves.
