At least 16 people, including women and children, have tragically lost their lives due to a toxic gas leak at the Angelo squatter camp in Boksburg, South Africa. The incident, which occurred late Wednesday evening, was initially reported as a gas explosion. However, authorities later confirmed that a gas cylinder containing nitrate oxide had leaked, resulting in this devastating loss of life. The cause of the gas leak remains unknown and is currently under investigation.
The Ekurhuleni Emergency Services (EMS) responded to a call about the incident and discovered that the gas leakage originated from a cylinder in one of the yards within the informal settlement. William Ntladi, spokesperson for EMS, revealed that the cylinder contained nitrate oxide, commonly used by illegal miners to extract gold from the soil. Preliminary information suggests a possible connection between the gas leak and illegal mining activities in the area. It is alleged that gas cylinders were stolen from a nearby warehouse by suspected illegal miners, contributing to this tragic event.
Emergency services teams are tirelessly working to identify and assist the victims. Ntladi reported that 24 bodies have been identified thus far, while search operations within the settlement continue to ensure no additional casualties remain undiscovered. The death toll was later revised to 16, with the bodies remaining at the scene until forensic investigators and pathologists arrive to process the area.
The victims include three children aged 1, 6, and 15; 8 men and 5 women; emphasizing the heart-wrenching nature of the incident. Additionally, two individuals have been hospitalized for treatment, while the emergency services team remains on high alert, prepared to provide further medical care as needed. Illegal mining activities, prevalent in the gold-rich areas surrounding Johannesburg, pose significant risks to both miners and nearby communities. Beyond the dangers associated with working in disused mines, incidents like this gas leak highlight the potential hazards and tragic consequences that arise from such operations.
The South African government recently announced the deaths of at least 31 illegal miners in a gas explosion in a disused mine in Welkom, underscoring the urgent need for stricter regulations and increased enforcement to curb illegal mining activities. The anger in the community against migrants seems to be simmering high as in a parallel development, 80 illegal migrants known as (generally known as zama zamas) were reported to have allegedly gangraped 8 women who were using a disused mine for a movie shoot.
The authorities, including Gauteng Province Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Sivuyile Ngodwana, have visited the scene and expressed their deep sadness and concern. Premier Lesufi described the situation as painful, emotionally draining, and tragic. “It’s not a nice scene at all … It’s painful, emotionally draining and tragic,” said Gauteng Province Premier Panyaza Lesufi
As investigations progress, law enforcement agencies await a decision from the Director of Public Prosecution regarding potential criminal charges. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with illegal mining and the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address this ongoing issue. This will also help prevent clashes between local communities and migrants which may otherwise cause unprecedented tensions in the region. As tensions grow violent, a Humans Right Watch report sheds light on a deeper reason; inappropriate decomissioning standards followed by mining companies. Companies avoid following standards put forth by the World Bank associated International Finance Corporation as it is not as “profitable.”
In the wake of this devastating tragedy, the focus remains on supporting the affected families, conducting a thorough investigation, and implementing necessary measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
