Boksburg explosion: Gauteng should expedite investigation to provide closure

13 January 2023 

As a matter of priority, the Gauteng Government should expedite the investigation into the Boksburg explosion to provide closure to people who were injured and the families of the 40 people who sadly passed away.

Twenty days have passed since a fuel tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas exploded underneath a railway bridge in Boksburg. And, it is concerning that Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, can still not provide answers as to what led to this tragedy occurring.

This is especially true since Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, during a healing service on Wednesday said the explosion had an element of negligence.

The families of the people who passed deserve answers. The outcomes of a full investigation will also aid in avoiding similar tragedies and ensure that provincial emergency services adequately respond to emergencies.

ActionSA again expresses our sincere condolences to the families of the people who passed away, as well as those who were injured in the explosion.

Through our Ekurhuleni Caucus and Regional Structures we will continue to assist families and community members and work with the Ekurhuleni Municipality to ensure that repairs to the surrounding areas are completed as soon as possible. 

We will also continue to keep the Provincial Government accountable to ensure that similar tragedies do not occur.

Issued by Bongani Baloyi, Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, ActionSA, 13 January 2023