Johannesburg An elevator carrying workers down a platinum mine in South Africa suddenly collapsed, killing 11 and injuring 75. The mine manager gave this information on Tuesday. The incident took place on Monday evening in a mine in the northern city of Rustenburg. The injured have been admitted to hospital. A statement said that the conveyance counterweight stuck in the jack catch, which stopped its rapid descent.
Nico Muller, chief executive officer of Impala Platinum Holdings (Implants), said in a statement that this was the most terrifying day in his company’s history. He said that an investigation has been started to find out the reasons behind the incident. South Africa is the largest producer of platinum. Impala Platinum said the “serious accident” occurred at its mine in Rustenburg, northwest of Johannesburg, on Monday afternoon when workers were exiting a shaft at the end of their shift.
We are deeply shocked and saddened by the demise of our colleagues…
Impala Platinum (Implats) CEO Nico Muller said in a statement on Tuesday, “Our hearts go out to the people and people lost in this devastating accident. “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the death of our colleagues and are in the process of ensuring that all next of kin can be contacted.”
The injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital, some in critical condition.
The company said 75 employees were injured and were shifted to local hospitals and admitted for treatment. Implats spokesman Johan Theron told the AFP news agency that some people were seriously injured. Most suffered broken ankles and feet, and others suffered minor bruises. According to the company, the accident occurred shortly before 5pm (15:00 GMT) on Monday, when workers lifting the lift “began to descend unexpectedly”. “A conveyance counterweight stuck in the jack catch prevented its rapid landing,” a statement said.
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Tags: an accident, Department of Labor, South Africa
First published: November 28, 2023, 15:53 IST