Authorities have said that the death toll from a gas tanker that exploded in Johannesburg initially estimated to be eight on Saturday, has risen to 15.
The vehicle caught fire while under a low bridge on Christmas Eve and tore the roof off the emergency department at the Tambo Memorial hospital.
It also destroyed two houses, several cars and injured bystanders.
“In terms of fatalities, this number has now risen to 15,” including three hospital staff members, Health Minister Joe Phaahla said late on Sunday.
Phaahla suggested that the death toll might later rise because of the nature of the injuries some survivors had sustained.
“We are told that of those who survived, many of them have quite severe burns, so we still have a long way to go,” he said.
Reuters
