Johannesburg: At least eight people were killed and 50 others injured when a truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas exploded in Boksburg town, east of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Emergency services officials claim that the top of the truck broke off a low bridge, igniting the flames that led to the explosion.
Residents posted videos of the dramatic blaze on social media, showing people fleeing the flames and cars dramatically driving away. Local reports said that the blast damaged several houses and vehicles.
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Tambo Memorial Hospital, where some of the injured were being treated, was reportedly receiving gas from the tanker. According to local media reports, patients in some hospital units had to be evacuated due to the explosion and fire.
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Local resident Simon Lapping told the nearby Citizen newspaper, "It was a sight of utter devastation to drive through, I've never seen anything like it before."
He claimed to have seen the bodies of two children and six adults. According to Tania Campbell, mayor of the Ekurhuleni municipality that includes Boksburg, the incident will be investigated.
He said the disaster management team is helping the accident victims and determining what led to the tragedy. The statement from the city said.
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The Office of the Acting Mayor commits itself to assisting all those who played a role in ensuring that a thorough investigation is conducted and those responsible are brought to justice. "