11 Dead, 42 Injured, 100 Still Trapped in Impala Platinum Mine in Rustenburg After Horrific Accident
- Over 100 miners at Impala Platinum Mine are still trapped; 42 were sent to hospital and 11 died after a freak mining accident
- The accident took place after a rope on one of the shaft conveyors snapped
- Netizens are concerned about the safety of mines, and some are praying for the protection of those still trapped
Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News' current affairs journalist, offered coverage of current affairs and societal issues during his seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.
Source: Getty Images
South Africans believe that mines are not safe after 11 miners died at Impala Platinum Mine in Rustenburg, North West. The death took place after an accident in which one of the shaft's ropes snapped.
Miners dead after shaft accident
According to SABC News, the mine revealed that the accident happened when the rope, connected to a conveyor that ferries workers into and out of shaft 11, snapped. It is believed that 80 people were affected by the accident and 42 were taken to hospital. More than 100 miners are believed to be trapped underground and rescue workers are battling to free them.
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Mzansi worried about miners' safety
South Africans on Facebook are questioning the safety of mines and the workers' conditions.
Duncan MacDonald offered a theory.
“One must realise that steel wire ropes do not just snap but are caused to fail due to various factors. This will become clear once a thorough investigation of all the factors contributing to this accident.”
Mphela Phaks wrote:
“This old system of transporting mine workers to underground shafts must be changed. Some chairlifts will make it much better, and these carry 100 people at a time. Condolences to the families.”
Aniki Dk was shocked.
“You mean people are still trapped even now?”
Stephen Kgwele added:
“Safety is not a priority in the mining industry.”
Prince Samwanda observed:
“Eith, this mining job is very dangerous, like G4S cash-in-transit jobs.”
Sheikh Shaheed Stakala prayed:
“We pray for those injured and for all loved ones as they struggle with the lasting impact of this traumatic event in their lives. We pray for all whose lives have been touched by the tragedy whether by accident, natural cause or deliberate act.”
Camangela Kubayi was angry:
“Night shift at mines must fall.”
24 People dead in bus and truck collision in Limpopo
In a related story, Briefly News reported that 24 people died after a bus and a truck collided in Limpopo. The passengers were reportedly mine workers heading to Venetia Mine and were en route to work when the accident happened.
South Africans were stunned by the horrific crash and mourned the loss of their lives, praying for their family to be strengthened.
Source: Briefly News
