In a devastating incident that unfolded on Wednesday night, at least 24 lives were tragically lost due to a potential nitrate oxide gas leak at the Angelo informal settlement in Boksburg.
Boksburg gas leak death toll: Here are the latest updates
Shortly after the news broke, it was reported that the gas leak had claimed 16 lives, with an equal amount of victims receiving medical treatment. However, according to the latest reporting, by Thursday morning, the Boksburg gas leak death toll had risen to 24.
Among the deceased were three children.
According to William Ntladi, spokesperson for Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services, paramedics on-site were able to resuscitate some individuals before transporting them to Tambo Memorial Hospital.
Nitrate oxide: The alleged gas behind mass deaths in Boksburg
The initial investigations suggest that illegal mining activities were being conducted from one of the dwellings within the informal settlement, leading to the release of nitrate oxide that ultimately poisoned the community.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as nitrate oxide or the laughing gas, poses significant dangers if released in residential areas. While nitrous oxide is primarily used in medical and dental procedures as an anaesthetic or analgesic agent, its misuse or accidental release can have severe consequences for individuals and communities.
While the gas is not commonly used in mining, it can potentially support combustion and can act as an oxidising agent in certain circumstances. When combined with other flammable or combustible materials, it can contribute to the combustion process and increase the intensity of a fire or explosion.
Authorities, including the South African Police Service and forensic investigators, combed the scene all night and according to preliminary findings, nitrate oxide, commonly used in illegal mining operations to extract gold from the soil, may have leaked from a cylinder, resulting in the fatal poisoning.
This unfortunate event occurs six months after the Christmas Eve gas tanker explosion in Boksburg, which claimed the lives of 41 individuals and left many more injured.
The fuel tanker had exploded after becoming wedged beneath a nearby bridge, mere metres away from Tambo Memorial Hospital.
A security guard, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that thieves had stolen gas cylinders containing nitrate oxide.
Tragically, the situation took a turn for the worse as they attempted to open one of the cylinders, leading to the inhalation of the deadly gas. Some victims reportedly succumbed to the effects of nitrate oxide while sleeping, adding to the profound tragedy.
The Department of Health has swiftly responded to the incident by dispatching a truck to collect the bodies, which include an entire family, including children, according to the guard.