President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his condolences to the families of the people affected by the gas cylinder leakage which claimed the lives of at least 17 people in Boksburg.
The incident occurred at the Angelo informal settlement on Wednesday evening.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness at the devastating and tragic loss of innocent lives at the Angelo informal settlement in Boksburg. The president extends his heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost loved ones,” said the Presidency.
The president urged investigators to get to the bottom of what might have caused the tragedy to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, Ekurhuleni mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana pledged the municipality’s support to the affected families.
“As the City of Ekurhuleni, we would like to send our condolences to all the families of Angelo and all the families that have lost their loved ones. I know this is a difficult time that we are in and it’s a very shocking tragedy,” said Ngodwana.
“But we hope that God will be with all the people that have suffered a loss. With the community of Angelo and the city, we promise to give all the necessary support that they need.”
Sunday World visited the scene of the tragedy and spoke to Judith Manyika, who lost both her son and daughter-in-law.
She said she does not know what will become of her, noting that the only person who supported her financially died in the tragic incident.
“They called last night when I was at home saying people are dying this side. I rushed [to the scene] and found bodies of people laying there. I found my son dead. I haven’t been able to sleep, the smell is too strong, so we have to wear our masks,” Manyika said.
One of the residents who did not want to be identified said they do not know the people who opened the gas cylinder.
“Tracing these people will be a mission impossible, as most of them are not only foreign nationals, but they are undocumented as well. Seeing lifeless bodies laying around was horrific,” she said.
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