The driver of the gas tanker that exploded in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg in South Africa on Christmas Eve, has been arrested.
He has been charged with multiple counts of culpable homicide, negligent driving, negligent causing of an explosion resulting in death, and malicious damage to property, reported SABC News.
Gauteng Police Spokesperson Brenda Muridili confirmed the arrest of the 32-year-old suspect on Sunday at a private hospital where he had been receiving medical treatment for minor injuries. She said:
The driver as well as several people who sustained injuries, including eight firefighters were taken to various hospitals for medical treatment.
Thus far, 15 people are reported to have sustained fatal injuries including a 10-year-old boy.
The full damage to infrastructure as well as private property will be communicated in due course.
The incident scene is still being cleared. The suspect will appear before the Boksburg Magistrates on 28 December.
On Sunday, Health Minister Joe Phaahla announced that the death toll from the explosion had risen to 15.
Three of the deceased were staff members from the Tambo Memorial Hospital, which was also affected by the blast.
Rosetta Brits lost four children in the explosion, three teenagers namely Jamel Eagles, Sabastian Brits, Adriaan Brits, and her 10-year-old Gerrie Brits. | SABC News