The explosion in Boksburg severely damaged the roof of the emergency department at Tambo Memorial Hospital, killing and injuring dozens, as well as destroying homes and cars.
Initial reports estimated around 27 deaths, according to regional health officials, but by last weekend the figure had risen to 34. A condolence meeting was organized for the dead on Friday.
News reports said that the victims included about a dozen health workers, and about two dozen members of the public, and that the death toll could still rise due to severe burn injuries. The dead also reportedly included children.
Mourning
“The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of those killed in the explosion, and to the people and government of South Africa,” said a statement issued by the Office of the UN Spokesperson.
“The Secretary-General wishes full and speedy recovery to the injured and early reconstruction of the damaged health infrastructure.”
According to news reports, the gas tanker hit the underside of a low bridge before exploding.
Several victims were admitted to the hospital’s casualty unit before they could be evacuated before the roof collapsed.