Johannesburg – The death toll from the LP Gas tanker explosion in Boksburg has risen to 15 putting a damper on Christmas Day celebrations.
RELATED: LP Gas Tanker Crashes, Explodes, 10 Dead, Firefighters Among Injured – The Bulrushes
At least five more people succumbed to severe burn wounds overnight.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla and Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko on Sunday gave an update on deaths, injuries, and damage to the Tambo Memorial Hospital resulting from the explosion.
As many as 37 people – including 24 patients and 13 staff members – who were at the hospital when the tanker exploded have been moved to other hospitals.
RELATED: Boksburg Tanker Explosion: Gauteng Health Dept Prioritising Injured – The Bulrushes
“Yesterday as of 18:00 the death toll was at 10 people and now we are sitting at 15 people as of this morning,” the department of health said.
“We send our deepest condolences for the families that lost their loved ones.
“We wish a speedy recovery to those that are recuperating in hospital.”
Thirteen hospital staff members have suffered injuries.
“Sadly, three of the injured staff members have passed on. (A driver and two enrolled nurses who got severe burns),” the department said.
As of Saturday night at 18h00 the number of patients admitted at the hospital was 321.
“No new patients have been admitted since then,” the department said.
“The facility is on divert, meaning that we are not taking patients. We are sending people to other facilities nearby.”
The department said visits to the hospital had been suspended.
However, all other services are still continuing in the hospital.
“Of course, we are not as yet taking new patients,” said the department.
The hospital suffered major structural damage at the Accident and Emergency Unit and X-Ray Departments, where servere damage occurred. The roof was damaged, ceilings fell, widows were broken, and other equipment was damaged.
Most of the minor structural damages were in the form of broken windows and ceilings that caved in.
“Most of the floors where the windows were broken, it was observed that there was blood on the floor, possibly of injured staff and or patients,” the department said.
The Casualty and Radiology Departments will not be accessible until structural engineers ensure that it is safe to do so.
“By the end of next week there will be a high-level report covering various areas to give a sense of the state of the hospital and what kind of work will need to be done to get the facilities on track,” the department said.
The focus areas for infrustinfrastructureructure will be maintenance work including repair and replacement of glasses, doors, lighting, and electrical cables.
Emergency repair work will also be carried out on the roof and ceiling
“A team will be sent to assess the status of our health technology equipment,” the department said.
