By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said he was saddened by the rising death toll, following the Boksburg tanker explosion on Christmas eve.
On Wednesday, 04 January 2022, the police notified the Gauteng Provincial Government that the number of fatalities now stands at 37, with additional body parts found around the area of the incident.
Vuyo Mhaga, Spokesperson for Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi said that
of the 37 people that have passed on, 12 are healthcare workers (10 government employees and 2 agency staff), all stationed at Tambo Memorial Hospital (TMH).
Mhaga said the provincial government has confirmed that the number of TMH staff members who were injured during the incident was 35, and not 13, as previously communicated.
“The 35 injuries are inclusive of those that demised. The majority of the staff have been treated and discharged.
Eight Ekurhuleni Emergency Medical Services personnel were injured during the explosion. Six have been discharged, while two have since been downgraded from intensive cared to normal wards and are recovering well,” he said.
Lesufi, on behalf of the provincial government, has once more extended his sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them of the continued support by government during this difficult period.
The premier wished those that were still receiving medical attention a speedy recovery.
“We continue to stand with the many families whose lives have been changed forever by the tragic incident.
“This has not been an easy period, particularly for those who lost their loved ones. We implore our health professionals to provide the best care to those that are still on the road to recovery,” said Lesufi.
Mhaga said there were still several people in various hospitals and the health department “continues to monitor their situation”.
“Given the nature of the incident and the extent of injuries incurred, many families – both of staff and the public – decided to speed up the process of laying their loved ones to rest.
“Some families have buried their loved ones, whilst others will bury their loved ones this week and next week. National and provincial government deployed officials to attend the funerals and to provide support to the affected families.”
Many families have expressed words of appreciation for the overwhelming support they have been receiving from the public and were pleased that their privacy had been respected throughout the grieving process, particularly where they have chosen to hold private services.
According to Mhaga, there was ongoing counselling to staff and their families, and to the bereaved families offered by clinical psychologists, social workers, and Chaplains. Where necessary, government, working with organisations such as Gift of the Givers and AVBOB, have assisted with burial arrangements above other social relief measures offered to affected families.
“Meanwhile, the following services have since resumed at Tambo Memorial Hospital – Antenatal Clinic, Operating Theatre, Outpatient Department and Maternity Services. Areas still affected include the Accident and Emergency Unit, Radiology and Clinical departments including Maternity Services for high-risk patients.
Contractors remain on site to work on the affected sections of the hospital with the aim to restore services as quickly as possible,” said Mhaga.
