GAUTENG Premier Panyaza Lesufi said he has been advised not to visit firefighters that got injured during the explosion in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.
He said the municipality advised against the visit at this time because of the nature of the injuries they sustained while busy trying to extinguish the flames.
A gas tanker got stuck after hitting a low railway bridge near OR Tambo Memorial Hospital and exploded on Saturday, 24 December.
Public infrastructure and homes close to the scene were damaged.
The death toll has risen to 27 and a significant number of people sustained injuries.
Lesufi said: “We are saddened, we are in pain. It is a disaster that we cannot explain.We are also wishing those in hospital a speedy recovery.”
He said: “Our intention is also to visit the firefighters that were injured at the scene. They (municipality) felt that we should delay the visit so that we don’t harm them further. We have accepted that view.”
Lesufi said he will continue with visiting affected families to demonstrate that government is grieving with them.
Lesufi was speaking during his visits to the affected families.
He was accompanied by MEC of Social Development, Agriculture and Rural Development Mbali Hlophe as well as Ekurhuleni Mayor Tania Campbell.
Lesufi said the gas truck company in question was co-operating and prepared to help with the burials.
The 32-year-old gas truck driver was charged with multiple counts of culpable homicide, reckless and negligence driving, as well as damage to public property.
He was, however, later released due to lack of evidence.
But Lesufi said the case will be enrolled on Friday, 30 December as the police are working to gather more evidence and documents with the intention of bringing a charge of murder.
