A tragic incident occurred in an informal settlement in Boksburg, near Johannesburg, where toxic gas leaked from a cylinder, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 individuals, including three children.

The South African Police Services reported the incident, with search and rescue teams still working to assess the full extent of the casualties.

Emergency services spokesman William Ntladi stated that the leak originated from a gas cylinder stored in a shack within the Angelo informal settlement.

The leak has been contained, but authorities continue to search the surrounding area for potential additional victims.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the type of gas involved in this devastating incident.