Boksburg explosion death toll rises to 18
The Gauteng Health Department has confirmed that the Boksburg explosion death toll has unfortunately climbed to 18 victims as of Monday, December 26.
Family members and next-of-kin have been called at the Germiston Forensic Pathology to identify the remains of their loved ones after a tanker explosion in Plantation, Boksburg on Christmas Eve.
The explosion, which appears to have been caused by a gas leak from the tanker that was ignited after being compressed under a low-lying bridge, resulted in an inferno that engulfed bystanders and vehicles, including damages and injuries at he nearby O.R Tambo Memorial Hospital.
The Gauteng department has stated that affected families can visit the mortuary to identify their loved ones at the Germiston Forensic Pathology Services, located at 10 Long Street in Germiston.
They can also contact the 24-hour line at 082 306 2887. The Forensic Pathology Services are normally open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, but given the need to assist families, the offices will be open on Tuesday, December 27th as well.
Families are advised to bring the original identification documents of both the family member coming to identify the deceased and the deceased person, as well as an abridged birth certificate if an ID is not available.
If the deceased is a foreign national, a passport, asylum seeker certificate, or letter from the country of origin embassy will be needed.
Counseling services will be offered on site for families coming to identify their loved ones.