At least 16 people, including children, have died following a gas leak in Boksburg on the East Rand.
The disaster thought to be linked to illegal mining activities, happened at the Angelo informal settlement on Wednesday night.
Emergency services spokesperson William Ntladi told AFP that four people were in critical condition while 11 were in serious but stable condition.
According to reports, 8 men, 5 women and 3 children are among the dead.
Ntladi says fire and emergency services received a call at around 8 pm about a gas explosion, but on arrival, they discovered a gas leak from a cylinder containing poisonous gas.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi visited the scene on Wednesday night while the Executive Mayor, Sivuyile Ngodwana will visit the informal settlement on Thursday morning.
The death toll is expected to rise and more information will be provided throughout the day as the investigation unfolds.
This tragedy follows less than six months after 34 people were killed in Boksburg when a truck carrying gas got stuck in a low bridge before exploding.
