A 16-year-old Pretoria boy who was injured in a chemical explosion at his home on Monday had both legs amputated above the ankle in a two-and-a-half hour operation later in the day. Christelle Augustyn, representative for the Willows Hospital in Pretoria, said on Tuesday that Waldo van der Westhuizen was recovering in the institution’s intensive care unit (ICU). She said doctors were positive about his condition but was not able to say how much longer he would remain in the ICU. Police representative Inspector Piletja Sebola said van der Westhuizen was apparently dabbling with different types of chemicals at his parents’ house in Diana Street on Monday afternoon when the explosion occurred. His 15-year-old brother Renier, who was also injured, was treated and discharged. Their parents were not at home at the time of the incident. Sebola said samples were taken for forensic tests to determine what chemicals were used. The tests could take up to a month to conclude. Police are investigating a case of unlawful manufacturing of explosives. – Sapa