Cape Town — The death toll in the tanker gas explosion in Boksburg on December 24, 2022 at the Tambo Memorial Hospital, has now risen to 27 as at December 29, 2022, according to the Gauteng Health Department.

The 32-year-old driver of the tanker who was arrested and who was expected to appear in court on December 28, 2022, was released due to insufficient evidence. He was to face charges of culpable homicide, negligence, and malicious damage to property.

The tanker was transporting gas from Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, to Botswana.

Nine hospital staff members died in the incident - eight nurses and a hospital driver, while patients at the hospital's emergency unit - among them children - were also killed.

Scores of people are being treated for third-degree burns.

Several political parties have spoken on the tragedy that has shattered the Boksburg community. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said that Saturday's incident is an indication that the country's roads and infrastructure were not suitable to transport hazardous substances. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has called on the transport department to ensure that the safety requirements of those transporting dangerous goods are improved.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his condolences to the families of the deceased, saying the nation's hearts go out to everyone affected.