GAUTENG PREMIER SADDENED BY RISING DEATH TOLL
FOLLOWING THE BOKSBURG TRUCK EXPLOSION
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is saddened by the rising death toll,
following the Boksburg tanker explosion on Christmas eve. Today,
Wednesday, 04 January 2022, the police notified the Gauteng Provincial
Government that the number of fatalities now stands at 37, with additional
body parts found around the area of the incident.
Of the 37 people that have passed on, 12 are healthcare workers (10
government employees and 2 agency staff), all stationed at Tambo
Memorial Hospital (TMH).
The provincial government confirms that the number of TMH staff
members who were injured during the incident is 35, and not 13, as
previously communicated. The 35 injuries are inclusive of those that
demised.
Majority of the staff have been treated and discharged.
Eight Ekurhuleni Emergency Medical Services personnel were injured
during the explosion. Six have been discharged, while two have since
been downgraded from intensive cared to normal wards and are
recovering well.
Premier Lesufi, on behalf of the provincial government, extends his
sincerest condolences, once more, to the families of the deceased and
assures them of the continued support by government during this difficult
period. The premier wishes those that are still receiving medical attention
a speedy recovery.
“We continue to stand with the many families whose lives have been
changed forever by the tragic incident. This has not been an easy period,
particularly for those who lost their loved ones. We implore our health
professionals to provide the best care to those that are still on the road
to recovery,” said Premier Lesufi.
There are still several people in various hospitals and the health
department continues to monitor their situation.
Given the nature of the incident and the extent of injuries incurred, many
families – both of staff and the public – decided to speed up the process
of laying their loved ones to rest. Some families have buried their loved
ones, whilst others will bury their loved ones this week and next week.
National and provincial government deployed officials to attend the
funerals and to provide support to the affected families.
Many families have expressed words of appreciation for the
overwhelming support they have been receiving from the public and are
pleased that their privacy has been respected throughout the grieving
process, particularly where they have chosen to hold private services.
There is ongoing counselling to staff and their families, and to the
bereaved families offered by clinical psychologists, social workers, and
Chaplains. Where necessary, government, working with organisations
such as Gift of the Givers and AVBOB, have assisted with burial
arrangements above other social relief measures offered to affected
families.
Meanwhile, the following services have since resumed at Tambo
Memorial Hospital – Antenatal Clinic, Operating Theatre, Outpatient
Department and Maternity Services. Areas still affected include the
Accident and Emergency Unit, Radiology and Clinical departments
including Maternity Services for high-risk patients.
Contractors remain on site to work on the affected sections of the hospital
with the aim to restore services as quickly as possible.
