Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed that eight more fatalities from the Boksburg truck explosion have been reported thus far.
The premier, joined by officials from the provincial government and the City of Ekurhuleni mayor Tania Campbell visited the families of the Healthcare workers who died from the disaster in Christmas Eve.
Lesufi, on behalf of government, conveyed messages of condolences and to discussed with local stakeholders on the means to support the affected families, including logistical arrangements for memorial services and burial.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his sympathies to the families.
“The nation’s hearts go out to everyone affected by this devastating incident. Such events take on greater sadness and tragedy when they occur at this time of year when all of us pray for safety and look forward to the togetherness and comfort of extended time with family and friends.
“In this instance, the loss of life is rendered more intense because some of the victims were hospital patients, hospital staff and children, while firefighters are counted among the injured,” the President said.
The President also expressed his appreciation for both governmental and non-governmental efforts to assist those in need.
“As government, we are taking all necessary actions to bring relief to persons affected by the incident and we draw inspiration in our own efforts from the demonstrations of Ubuntu we are seeing on the part of communities and community-based organisations.“While these interventions bring us hope and light in our darkest hour, we must always live by the resolve to prevent such catastrophe from taking place in the first place,” Ramaphosa said.
