A nitrate gas leak, feared to be fatal to as many as 24 people initially, has tragically ended the lives of 16 individuals, including three children, on Wednesday, July 5.
The fatal incident took place on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa, in the Angelo settlement. Illegal miners were using the gas as a tool for extracting gold. Although initial fears estimated a higher death toll, officials confirmed the unfortunate loss of 16 lives after recounting.
Search and rescue efforts remain underway for additional victims, with pathologists and forensic investigators expected to arrive on the scene.
Among the victims were children aged one, six, and 15. In addition, two individuals were injured during the incident and have been transported to the hospital for treatment.
William Ntladi, spokesperson for emergency services, revealed the cause of the fatal incident. According to Ntladi, a depleted cylinder, once used by illegal miners to separate gold from soil and rock, had caused the deadly leak.
The area surrounding Johannesburg is a rich source of gold, attracting numerous illegal mining activities. Sadly, this is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred. In fact, fatal incidents are all too common, both above and below ground.
An unfortunate precedent was set in Boksburg when a truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas exploded, taking the lives of 41 individuals. Furthermore, a recent gas explosion in an old mine in the city of Welkom resulted in at least 31 fatalities among illegal miners.
