Boksburg gas tanker driver set to appear in court on Wednesday
The driver of the tanker that exploded in Boksburg is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.
The driver is facing multiple counts of culpable homicide following the crash on Christmas Eve, which left 15 dead and multiple others injured.
Police spokesperson Brenda Muridili said the driver was arrested on Saturday evening at a private hospital where he was receiving medical treatment for minor injuries.
“The 32-year-old suspect has been charged with multiple counts of culpable homicide, negligent causing of an explosion resulting in death and malicious damage to property.“
The tanker, transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), was caught beneath a bridge close to OR Tambo Memorial hospital and houses on Saturday morning.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla said three hospital employees, two nurses and a driver, died later from severe burn injuries.
Thirty-seven people were injured, including 24 patients and 13 staff members who were in the hospital's accident and emergency unit at the time of the blast.
“Preliminary investigations found that the loaded gas tanker got stuck trying to drive through a low bridge and the impact resulted in an explosion. The gas tanker was allegedly driving from Richard's Bay en route to Botswana,” Muridili said.
The driver will appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
