Audio By Carbonatix
A suspected nitrate oxide gas leak in South Africa has led to the deaths of 16 people, local officials say.
The victims - including women and children - died from gas inhalation at an informal settlement in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.
Wednesday's leak has been linked to illegal gold mining in the area.
Nitrate oxide gas is often used by illegal gold miners - known locally as zama zamas - to extract gold from soil stolen from abandoned mine shafts.
One of the gas cylinders was found leaking in Boksburg's densely populated Angelo shanty town.
The victims were found within a 100m (328ft) radius of the scene.
No one was taken to hospital, emergency service officials have told the BBC.
But they fear more bodies could be found overnight as search and rescue teams continue their work.
This tragedy comes just six months after a gas tanker explosion on Christmas eve which claimed 41 lives in the same town.
Latest Stories
-
GoldBod off-takers’ fees, trading shortfalls deepen BoG Gold-for-Reserves losses to $214m in 9 months – IMF Report
13 minutes -
‘We’ll meet you in court’- DVLA boss fires back at VEMAG over injunction on new number plates
33 minutes -
John Mahama’s symphony of stewardship: The first anniversary of the Accra reset
57 minutes -
How Edmond Kombat reclaimed TOR from industrial decay
1 hour -
Antoine Semenyo chooses Manchester City ahead of January move
1 hour -
Western region records 465 road fatalities in 11 months; officials blame drunk driving, human error
2 hours -
DVLA extends use of DP stickers and DV plates amid new plate rollout delay
2 hours -
What’s in a nickname? AFCON 2025 teams have stories to tell
2 hours -
DVLA suspends rollout of new number plates planned for January 2026
2 hours -
Health Minister commends workers, pledges stronger health system in end-of-year message
2 hours -
Two dead, dozens injured in crash on Cape Coast–Takoradi highway
2 hours -
NPP Primary: Bawumia still in strong lead in latest Global InfoAnalytics survey
3 hours -
NPP Primary: Bawumia leads with 56% amongst committed voters in latest Global InfoAnalytics poll
3 hours -
Venezuela accuses US of ‘extortion’ over seizure of oil tankers
3 hours -
Zelensky says Ukrainian withdrawal from the East possible in latest peace plan
3 hours