Relatives of the deceased from a fuel tanker explosion near Johannesburg on Christmas eve are gathered in Johannesburg in a memorial service honouring their loved ones.
The death toll has risen to 27, a local official said on Wednesday, the provincial prime minister communicated the update during a visit to condole families of the victims.
A truck loaded with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) got stuck under a bridge in Boksburg on December 24, causing a leak and an explosion that damaged infrastructure and a nearby hospital.
It carried 60,000 litres of LPG, which is widely used for cooking. 10 people were initially killed, eight more people subsequently died from severe burns and other injuries, the health authorities reported on Monday, and eight more died afterwards.
The driver who was arrested on suspicion of culpable homicide was released for lack of evidence.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed condolences to the families and friends of the victims, adding that he will look into the details of the investigations into the tragedy.
