Many severally injured as Petrol tanker exploded in Boksburg on Friday (Video/Pictures)

After a fuel tanker exploded at the train station east of Johannesburg on Friday morning, residents of Boksburg were driven into a frenzy.

According to information obtained from the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services, the number of fatalities had not yet been released at the time of the tragedy.

Boksburg hospital after the explosion. Multiple fatalities and injuries after explosion of a gas tanker in Boksburg https://t.co/aip66VLivt #ArriveAlive #TankerExplosion #Boksburg @EMER_G_MED pic.twitter.com/tHXc67NtCY

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 24, 2022

DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi told the newsmen that when the unfortunate incident happened, a distress call had been placed to their office early Friday morning to run and respond to a fire emergency. As more casualties are still being examined, according to Ntladi, the fire victims were sent immediately to hospitals.

“The gas tanker got stuck underneath the subway bridge and it caught alight. Firefighters came to extinguish as well. So, unfortunately, during the operation of extinguishing the gas tanker then there was an explosion that affected the firefighters and fire engines. Currently, all the firefighters which were on sight are admitted to the hospital and the fire engine was also destroyed. We have not yet determined the number of casualties in terms of injuries and fatalities.”

Gauteng traffic

Meanwhile, Gauteng traffic police have urged motorists to exercise caution following reported fatal road crashes this festive season. Traffic volumes have increased on the provinces’ major roads, as people trek to various holiday destinations.

Gauteng Traffic police spokesperson Sello Maremane says a high number of pedestrians have been killed since the start of the festive season.

“Most fatalities recorded are pedestrians with over 80 losing their lives on our roads. Among some of the fatal crashes that occurred include a bakkie that crashed after towing and overloaded Shayla on Thursday morning, along the end 14 towards 20 resulting in three people losing their lives and 14 others sustaining injuries. We will continue to intensify law enforcement operations in an effort to reduce road crashes leading to fatalities. Law enforcement authorities will not hesitate to act decisively against drivers who disregard the rules and regulations of the road and endanger the lives of road users.”

Footage of a tanker explosion in Boksburg this morning is being circulated. Paramedics say there are several deaths, while others are critically injured.

Video supplied. #eNCA pic.twitter.com/xirI6RM2zP

— Dasen Thathiah (@DasenThathiah) December 24, 2022