SABC News reports the 32-year-old suspect was arrested at a private hospital where he had been receiving medical treatment for minor injuries.

The driver has been charged with multiple counts of culpable homicide, negligent driving, negligent causing of an explosion resulting in death and malicious damage to property.

Gauteng Police Spokesperson Brenda Muridili says the driver was arrested earlier on Sunday.

“The driver as well as several people who sustained injuries, including eight firefighters were taken to various hospitals for medical treatment. 

"Thus far, 15 people are reported to have sustained fatal injuries including a 10-year-old boy. The full damage to infrastructure as well as private property will be communicated in due course. The incident scene is still being cleared. The suspect will appear before the Boksburg Magistrates on 28 December.”

It has been bleak Christmas for families that lost their loved ones Saturday morning as a result of the gas tanker that exploded.

The death toll announced by Health Minister Joe Phaahla on Sunday, stood at 15 fatalities while some still in hospital from severe burn wounds.

Three of the deceased were staff members from the Tambo Memorial Hospital, which was also affected by the blast.

While some woke up in the morning with kids rushing to the Christmas tree to open their gifts, Plantation woke up to a sombre mood. The sound of the opening of wrapping paper was replaced by the tape blocking off the area of the blast where some lost their loved ones.

A weeping Rosetta Brits stood by the wreaked railway line expressing grief over four of her children.

Her teenagers, Jamel Eagles, Sabastian Brits, Adriaan Brits were killed in the blast. Her 10-year-old Gerrie Brits also didn’t survive horrific explosion.

SABC News