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
-
Police arrest suspect for unlawful possession and attempted sale of firearm
57 minutes -
3 arrested in connection with Tema robberies
1 hour -
Your mouth on weed is nothing to smile about
1 hour -
25% university fees hike, what was the plan all along? — Kristy Sakyi queries
3 hours -
Some OMCs reduce fuel prices; petrol going for GH¢10.86, diesel GH¢11.96
3 hours -
Trump says health is ‘perfect’ amid ageing concerns
4 hours -
China’s BYD set to overtake Tesla as world’s top EV seller
4 hours -
Joy FM’s iconic 90’s Jam returns tonight: Bigger, better, and packed with nostalgia
4 hours -
Uproar as UG fees skyrocket by over 25% for 2025/2026 academic year
5 hours -
Japan PM joins fight for more female toilets in parliament
6 hours -
Ga Mantse declares war on fishing industry child labour
7 hours -
Adom FM’s ‘Strictly Highlife’ lights up La Palm with rhythm and nostalgia in unforgettable experience
8 hours -
OMCs slash fuel prices as cedi gains
9 hours -
Around 40 dead in Swiss ski resort bar fire, police say
10 hours -
AFCON 2025: Aubameyang and Nsue make history among oldest goalscorers
11 hours
