At least 16 people have been reported dead at the Angelo informal settlement in Gauteng, close to Boksburg, of nitrate inhalation from a gas leak, thought to be related to nearby illegal mining operations. As the night went on, the initial death toll of 24 was reduced to 16 in some reports.
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Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, William Ntladi, spokesperson for the Disaster and Emergency Management Services in the City of Ekurhuleni, confirmed that, contrary to widespread reports, there had not been an explosion.
‘We received a call about a gas explosion, but upon arrival, we found that a nitrate oxide cylinder had leaked, leading to inhalation poisoning among the people in and around the Angelo informal settlement,’ he said.
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The vicinity of the shacks where the nitrate oxide cylinder was discovered is the subject of a secondary search to look for additional potential casualties.
Ntladi emphasised that there had not been an explosion and that the area was being handled as a crime scene with law enforcement, forensic photographers, and pathologists present.
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‘The search for additional casualties will continue throughout the night as the unfolding scene is closely monitored.’
A total of 40 people died as a result of a gas explosion in Boksburg in December, according to an announcement made by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi in January.
The gas explosion happened on Christmas Eve last year when a gas tanker got stuck underneath a bridge and blew up.
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