Whilst two of the trapped mineworkers were found alive on Monday afternoon, three had died from the mud-rush which occurred on Sunday 28 November. 

The surviving mineworkers are presently hospitalised in a serious but stable condition. Implats' Communication Division has declined to be interviewed by OFM News, stating that their published statement on the incident is the only comment they will give on the matter. Operations at shaft 16 have also been suspended following an incident there a day before the mud-rush.

Overall seven employees were working at the bottom of the shaft at the time of the mud-rush on Sunday. Two escaped with minor injuries, with the aforementioned five ending up being trapped. The day before, in a separate incident, a contract employee was killed during underground drilling operations in shaft 16. The mine says they are awaiting reports on the incidents before operations can resume again at both shafts.

According to said statement, the rescue effort for the mud-rush was quite a mammoth one, with eight search and rescue teams deployed from Implats and other mining companies. The platinum mining giant says it will continue to engage with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, as well as other stakeholders, on the incident.  “No identities will be disclosed at this time while their next-of-kin are being informed. Our deepest sympathies lie with the families, friends, and colleagues of those whose lives were lost in this tragic accident,” concludes the statement.

OFM News