Boksburg, Gauteng - In a devastating incident that unfolded at the Angelo informal settlement near Boksburg, at least 16 lives have tragically been lost due to nitrate oxide inhalation. The incident, suspected to be linked to illegal mining activities, has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the grave risks associated with such practices.
Initial reports indicated a higher death toll of 24; however, the count was later revised to 16 as additional information emerged. William Ntladi, spokesperson for the Disaster and Emergency Management Services in the City of Ekurhuleni, clarified that contrary to earlier reports, there was no explosion involved in the incident.
"We received a call regarding a gas explosion, but upon arrival, we discovered that a nitrate oxide cylinder had leaked, leading to inhalation poisoning among the people in and around the Angelo informal settlement," Ntladi explained.
Zama zamas strikes again. This time about 24 people died at Angelo informal settlement in Boksburg, after inhaling a highly toxic gas linked to illegal mining on Wed, 5 July 2023.
— THE TRUTH PANTHER (@TheTruthPanther) July 6, 2023
Few months back, a group of women in Krugersdorp were also gang raped by heavily armed Zama zamas. pic.twitter.com/inN4BpQdJK
Authorities have launched a secondary search to locate any potential additional casualties within the vicinity of where the nitrate oxide cylinder was found. The scene is being treated as a crime scene, with the presence of law enforcement, forensic photographers, and pathologists to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
It is important to note that an unrelated gas explosion occurred in Boksburg in December of the previous year, resulting in a death toll of 40, as announced by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. The incident occurred when a gas tanker became lodged under a bridge and subsequently exploded on Christmas Eve, leaving the community in mourning.
16 people have been killed after a gas cylinder containing nitrate oxide leaked at the Angelo informal settlement in Boksburg. The highly toxic gas was reportedly used for illegal mining activities. @N_Ayanda speaks to Ekurhuleni Mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana.https://t.co/1Ifu8FLmeo pic.twitter.com/hlF0GFoCsK
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 6, 2023
This recent nitrate oxide inhalation incident serves as a stark reminder of the grave risks associated with illegal mining activities. It underscores the urgent need for enhanced regulation and enforcement to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The affected community, in collaboration with local authorities, will undoubtedly work together to address these concerns and ensure the safety of its residents.
[WATCH #KayaNews reporter @KatSekhotho is on the scene in Boksburg where 16 people have died following a gas cylinder leak.
— Kaya 959 News (@KayaNews) July 6, 2023
Officials from pathology services are combing through the scene. pic.twitter.com/W32h0Sxndc
As investigations into the nitrate oxide inhalation incident continue, it is hoped that further clarity will be gained regarding the circumstances leading to this devastating event. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the families and friends of the victims, who are grappling with unimaginable grief in the wake of this heartbreaking incident.
source: IOL