Deaths as gas tanker explodes in South Africa

A truck carrying liquified petroleum gas exploded in the South African town of Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, on Saturday killing at least nine people and injuring 50 others. The top of the truck scraped a low-lying bridge, sparking flames that caused the explosion. Gauteng province Premier announced the latest death toll at a news conference but said the figures could be updated.

The tanker was reportedly delivering gas to the nearby O.R. Tambo Memorial Hospital, where some of the injured were treated. The Premier said part of the hospital had been badly damaged and had been closed, while checks were ongoing to see whether the entire facility should continue operating.