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
-
BCI takes free breast cancer screening to Mampong Okuapeman
9 mins -
Measuring the Green Wealth of Nations: Natural capital and economic productivity in Africa
15 mins -
COP29 protest: Global call for plant-based treaty gains momentum
30 mins -
We drew EC’s attention to Ahafo, Volta ballot papers anomalies – NDC
42 mins -
Supreme Court steadily chipping away at Parliament, breaching separation of powers – Tony Aidoo
60 mins -
‘I sold my car and land to organize Ghana’s biggest boxing bout’ – Alex Ntiamoah
1 hour -
We can build a judiciary system that is truly citizen-centred – Chief Justice
1 hour -
CID has done nothing about alleged NPP fake news attacks against Mahama – Tanko-Computer
2 hours -
Traditional rulers to resolve recent clash between GIS officers and Shia residents in V/R
2 hours -
Charles Goh: Government must address Tema-Dawhenya-Prampram traffic, alternative roads
4 hours -
Nana Akosua Addobea launches Cocoa Kente to honour Cocoa farmers and Tetteh Quashie
4 hours -
Black Stars return to Accra after Angola draw seals AFCON qualifying failure
4 hours -
A year on: Mepe marks Akosombo floods, demands accountability from government
4 hours -
Vacant seats saga: We can continue business in Parliament after elections – Agbodza
4 hours -
Vacant seats controversy: I agree with Supreme Court judgement – Gary Nimako
5 hours