Silent Poison: Sixteen People Dead After Inhaling Dangerous Gas After An Illegal Mining Leak In Boksburg
At least 16 people, including women and children, have died after reportedly inhaling gas at the Angelo informal settlement in Boksburg, Gauteng, on Wednesday night.
The incident is believed to have been caused by a leak from a cylinder of nitrate oxide, a gas often linked to illegal mining.
Authorities Confirm Boksburg Gas Leak
According to the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Service (EMS), they received a call about an explosion at around 8 p.m. local time. They found instead that there had been a gas leak in one of the shacks in the settlement.
The gas cylinder was later stopped, and rescue teams searched a 91m radius around the cylinder to check for more victims.
Ekurhuleni emergency spokesperson William Ntladi explained to EWN:
“Others have been resuscitated after the paramedics’ intervention on site, and they were transported to OR Tambo Memorial Hospital for further medical care. Those admitted to the hospital – 16 in total – of which four of them are in a critical state, and 11 others are in a serious but stable condition. While one has been admitted in a fully conscious state.”
The South African Police Service said two other people were taken to the hospital for treatment, while the identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed.
Illegal Mining Activity In The Area
Local news reports indicated that the preliminary findings suggest that the nitrate gas leak could be related to illegal mining activity in the area.
This is the activity that was taking place #BoksburgGasLeak pic.twitter.com/lxZjkjkr2y
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) July 5, 2023
The Boksburg Gas Curse
This is not the first time Boksburg has experienced a fatal gas incident. In December 2022, a gas tanker from Infinite Logistics collided with a low bridge on Hospital Road and burst into flames, killing 34 people and injuring at least 60 others.
The explosion also damaged and temporarily closed the nearby OR Tambo Memorial Hospital. The driver of the tanker was arrested and released, and the explosion is under multiple investigations.
The latest gas leak has raised concerns about the safety and regulation of gas cylinders and mining operations in informal settlements. The Gauteng provincial government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and promised to provide support and assistance.
