By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) released an update on the death toll from the unfortunate and disastrous gas truck explosion in Boksburg.
People reported dead has now risen to 18, according to the department.
According to Tshepo Shawa, Spokesperson for the MEC for Health, on Saturday, 24 December 10 people were killed when the truck transporting gas got stuck under a bridge near Tambo Memorial Hospital and started leaking resulting in a massive explosion that caused extensive damage to private and public infrastructure within an estimated 500 metres from the scene.
“Sadly eight more people who had sustained severe burns and injuries have since demised as of Monday, 26 December 2022.
“Of the 18 deceased people, 9 are Tambo Memorial Hospital staff (consisting of 1 driver, 8 nurses),” said Shawa.
He said families can now be able to identify their deceased loved ones.
“The Department would like to advice affected families that they can now be able to visit the mortuary to identify their loved ones at the Germiston Forensic Pathology Services situated at 10 Long Street, Germiston, (behind SAPS Germiston).
“They can also make contact on 082 306 2887 which is a 24 hour line. The Forensic Pathology Services operate from 08:00 to 15:00 Monday to Friday excluding on public holiday and on weekends.
“However, given the need to assist families, the offices will be opened on Tuesday, 27 December 2022,” Shawa said.
He said it was advisable for families to note that the person who is designated to conduct the identification of the deceased loved one needs to bring the following:
· Original ID document of the family member coming to identify the deceased.
· No drivers’ licence are accepted in line with the Identification Act
· Original Identification Document of the deceased person is needed, or an abridged birth certificate where an ID is not available.
· If the deceased person is a child without an ID, a birth certificate is acceptable.
· An Abridged birth certificate for adults can be obtained from Home Affairs offices.
· If the deceased is a foreign national, a passport, an asylum seeker certificate, or a letter from the country of origin Embassy confirming who the deceased is and to whom the mortal remains should be handed over to.”
“He said the counselling services to families coming to identify their loved ones will be offered on site through registered counsellors.”
Thirty-seven (37) people including 24 patients (who were situated in the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department) and 13 staff members who were outside the Wards and the hospital parking lot at the time of the explosion sustained severe burns and were diverted to neighbouring hospitals including Bertha Gxowa Hospital, Far East Rand Regional Hospital, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Thelle Mogoerane Hospital, Pholosong Hospital and LenMed.
Pic supplied.
