Shock as gas leak claim 17 lives

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Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has expressed shock on the Boksburg gas leak that claimed lives.

This comes after seventeen people died in a Boksburg informal settlement on Wednesday evening.

According to reports, it is alleged that the Nitrate Oxide leaked from a gas cylinder and poisoned the community of Angelo Informal settlement in Boksburg.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the Nitrate Oxide was being used by illegal miners in the area to extrapolate what is perceived as gold from the soil in the informal settlement.

“We are confident that the investigations led by the police will assist us to get to the bottom of this senseless loss of lives, so we can go back to the affected families and explain what happened,” Lesufi said.

Premier @Lesufi expresses shock and sadness on the Boksburg gas leak that claimed lives pic.twitter.com/x5T1SdRgxz

— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) July 6, 2023

Lesufi added that the provincial government will give the necessary support to the affected families.

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The gas leak comes seven months after the Boksburg gas tanker explosion that claimed the lives of 41 people in December 2022.

WATCH: Activities that was taking place

This is the activity that was taking place #BoksburgGasLeak pic.twitter.com/lxZjkjkr2y

— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) July 5, 2023

Meanwhile, RISE Mzansi has appealed with the government to ensure that counselling services are provided to family and community members, and provision be made to ensure that the deceased are afforded a dignified burial.

RISE Mzansi National Spokesperson Tebogo Moalusi says for years, experts have raised the warning bells on the effects of illegal mining and the criminality surrounding it.

“Last night’s event and the death it has left in its trail must push government departments at all levels to deal with illegal mining. If nothing is done, the deaths of these innocent people will be in vain.

“Families have been broken and children have had their short lives snatched away by a situation that was not of their making.

“We deserve a proactive government that is at the forefront of solutions for housing, a lack of opportunities and safety for communities like Angelo,” Moalusi explains.