Dozens dead after suspected gas leak in Boksburg informal settlement
A tragic incident in the Angelo informal settlement near Boksburg, resulted in the loss of at least 24 lives due to a suspected gas leak.
At least 24 people died in the Angelo informal settlement near Boksburg, Gauteng, on Wednesday, 5 July, from suspected gas inhalation.
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Fatal gas leak in Angelo, Boksburg
Initial reports indicated that another explosion had hit the Boksburg area. However, the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Service (EMS) said upon arrival at approximately 20:00 authorities established that gas had leaked from a canister in one of the yards in the informal settlement.
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According to SABC News, the preliminarily findings indicate that the nitrate gas leak could be linked to illegal mining activity in the area.
“When we arrived, we found out that there was no explosion, but gas leakage. As I am speaking to you, I can confirm that the 24 people have died, including women and children, due to nitrate gas inhalation. We suspect this could be linked to illegal mining in the area,” said Ekurhuleni EMS spokesperson William Ntladi to the public broadcaster. (https://www.jonesaroundtheworld.com/)
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The scene is being searched for more bodies.
In 2022, a gas tanker truck exploded near Tambo Memorial Hospital on 24 December, and 41 people died due to the blast.
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