Boksburg gas leak death toll climbs to 17
Updated | By Newswatch
The death toll from a gas leak at an informal settlement in Boksburg rose to 17 on Thursday morning.
The victims allegedly inhaled nitrate oxide when one of the cylinders stored in the Angelo informal settlement sustained a leak.
It's believed the cylinders were kept and used by illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi was on the scene again in Boksburg on Thursday morning.
READ: WATCH: At least 16 dead in Boksburg gas leak
Lesufi confirmed that the death toll has risen to 17, including five women and three kids.
At least 12 survivors were rushed to the Tambo Memorial Hospital, with one critically ill.
Police are investigating allegations that illegal miners used the cylinder to get gold from an old mine shaft.
"We are guided by forensic teams because it is still a crime scene we tried to ensure that those cylinders that are still there are not either going to explode or harm people further. We are still going to get that report," said Lesufi.
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