Update: 9 dead following Boksburg gas tanker explosion

At least nine people have died after a gas tanker exploded under a bridge in Boksburg.

Several others have been injured.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi made the announcement during a media briefing on Saturday.

It’s believed the driver was trying to get through a low bridge and got stuck.

“There was an explosion that attracted onlookers. Then there were two other explosions,” RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said.

“The Ekurhuleni fire engine that responded earlier to the fire was blown back and other cars were also affected.

“The hospital casualty ward’s ceiling fell down because of the impact of the explosion.”

Zwane said they are gathering information and police will investigate.

An eyewitness said it is a tragedy.

“I heard an explosion followed by another two explosions. We saw the smoke coming from the bridge,” he said.

“I was trying to get people away.”