Saudi Arabia expresses regret over fuel tanker blast in South Africa

A burned out vehicle marks the spot where a gas tanker exploded under a bridge in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, on Dec. 24, 2022. (AP)
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Updated 25 December 2022
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Saudi Arabia expresses regret over fuel tanker blast in South Africa

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday expressed its regret over a fuel tanker explosion east of Johannesburg in South Africa that killed and injured several people a day earlier, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said.

Saudi Arabia offered its condolences to the government and people of South Africa, and wished the injured a speedy recovery, the ministry added in a statement.

The death toll has risen to 15, with dozens more wounded, the health minister said Sunday.

The truck was carrying liquefied petroleum gas when it got stuck under a low-lying bridge in the town of Boksburg on Saturday, sparking flames. As firefighters worked to extinguish the flames the tanker exploded, according to emergency services officials.

The UAE and Egypt also expressed their condolences and sympathy to South Africa and affirmed they stand with the government and people against this horrific incident.

(With AFP)


Program to train experts in forest rehabilitation

Updated 14 January 2026
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Program to train experts in forest rehabilitation

  • Forest Ambassadors program is one of several specialized training initiatives designed to equip forestry personnel, relevant authorities, and university students
  • Program focuses on providing trainees with advanced scientific knowledge and skills in fieldwork, data management, and technical report writing

RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification continues to strengthen national capabilities to implement environmental initiatives requiring advanced technical skills and scientific expertise in assessing and rehabilitating vegetation resources.

The Forest Ambassadors program is one of several specialized training initiatives designed to equip forestry personnel, relevant authorities, and university students with the knowledge and skills to conduct vegetation inventories, assessments, and prepare technical plans for rehabilitating degraded forest areas.

The program offers a mix of theoretical and practical training, including presentations, educational modules, group discussions, and case studies, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

These components enable participants to conduct vegetation inventories and assessments, identify degradation, determine rehabilitation needs, and develop technical forest management plans.

The program focuses on providing trainees with advanced scientific knowledge and skills in fieldwork, data management, and technical report writing, the SPA reported.

It serves as a model for building highly qualified national cadres capable of applying best scientific practices in forest management and rehabilitation, contributing to the protection of natural resources, advancing the Saudi Green Initiative, and supporting the long-term sustainability of the Kingdom’s vegetation cover.