Boksburg explosion death toll hits 27, suspect might reappear in court
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says police are working to strengthen a case against the driver of a gas tanker truck that exploded in Boksburg.
The death toll from the blast has risen to 27.
Lesufi released the updated figures on Wednesday after the 32-year-old driver was released due to a lack of evidence.
He says he has been briefed on the reason for the decision.
"They are of the view that the evidence that they have it will be extremely difficult to have necessary documentation that can make a judge or a magistrate to take a decision.
"They are only ready if one charge of reckless driving and also destroying state property and they are in believe that with the number of deceased, it might be a lighter charge."
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"They really want to gather the necessary evidence and the owner of the truck is cooperating with information what they need and they are of the view that the suspect will reappear in court later this week."
The truck that was transporting liquid gas caught alight and burst into flames after getting stuck under a bridge near the Tambo Memorial Hospital on Saturday.
The explosion caused infrastructure damage to the hospital and the surrounding area.
Lesufi says two people remain missing.
