A huge explosion has reportedly claimed the lives of several people in South Africa.

Shocking footage shows the moment a gas tanker exploded beneath a bridge in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.

Emergency services are on the scene and multiple fatalities have been reported alongside critical injuries.

According to local media, the gas tanker had become stuck beneath the bridge before it exploded.

When the driver forced their way through the bridge, it reportedly triggered the explosion.

Videos shared online show wounded people screaming for help in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The explosion took place near to the OR Tambo Hospital which, according to news channel Citizen, is now on fire itself.

The explosion sent huge fireballs into the sky (Picture: Twitter)

There have been reports of fatalities – with many more also injured (Picture: Twitter)

Rooms and corridors have been left badly damaged with ceiling tiles left hanging and doors blown off their hinges.

Ekurhuleni councillor Simon Lapping told Eyewitness News: ‘I have never seen anything like this before.

‘There must be a serious investigation as to how a truck carrying gas can go in under a low-level bridge.’

The OR Tambo Hospital has been badly damaged in the blast (Picture: Twitter)

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Videos shared online show wounded people screaming for help in the aftermath of the tragedy.