The blast in Boksburg severely damaged the roof of the emergency room at Tambo Memorial Hospital there, killing and injuring dozens and also reportedly destroying homes and cars.
Initial reports estimated around 27 deaths, but that number had risen to 34 as of last weekend, according to regional health officials. A memorial service was held for the dead last Friday.
Casualties included nearly a dozen health workers and nearly two dozen members of the public, according to news reports, and the death toll could rise further due to severe burn injuries. Children are said to have been among the dead.
sympathy
“The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the blast, as well as to the people and government of South Africa,” the UN spokesman’s office said in a statement.
“The Secretary-General wishes those injured a full and speedy recovery and the rapid rebuilding of the damaged health infrastructure.”
According to media reports, the gas tanker struck the underside of a low bridge before exploding.
Many of the victims were taken to the hospital’s emergency department before having to be evacuated before the roof collapsed.
