The worst in Boksburg was heavily damaged on the roof of the emergency center at the Tambo Memorial hospital there, killing and injuring many while also reportedly damaging houses and cars.
Initial reports estimated around 27 deaths, but that figure rose to 34 last weekend, according to local health authorities. The commemoration of the dead was held this past Memorial Day.
News reports say that the victims include a dozen health workers, and a dozen members of the public, and because of the serious injuries caused by the fire, the death toll may still increase. Children were among those who perished.
Sadness
“The Secretary-General expresses his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the explosion and to the people and Government of South Africa,” said a statement issued by the Office of the UN Spokesperson.
“The Secretary-General wishes full and speedy recovery for the injured and the speedy restoration of the damaged health infrastructure.”
According to reports, the gas truck crashed under a small bridge, before exploding.
Most of the victims were admitted to the department of the hospital, before they came out, before the roof was collapsing.
