In a tragic development, eleven miners were killed while 75 others were left seriously injured after a lift accident at Impala Platinum (Implats) Mine in Rustenburg, located in the North West province.
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11 Miners Killed in a Lift Accident at Implats Mine
According to TimesLive, the Implats mine accident happened on Monday just before 5 pm as the conveyance was transporting them to the surface from underground
Confirming the tragic incident, Implats revealed that the 11 Shaft personnel conveyance was bringing employees up to the surface at the end of their shift when it unexpectedly began descending
“The 11 Shaft personnel conveyance was hoisting employees to surface at the end of their shift. At 4.54 pm, the conveyance unexpectedly started descending. It’s rapid descent was stopped by the conveyance counterweight becoming trapped by the jack catches,” Implats said.
Sadly, 11 people died on the spot while another 75 employees were injured in the accident.
The 75 injured people were immediately ferried to four hospitals.
In response to the tragic incident, Implats CEO Nico Muller expressed that this marked the bleakest day in Implats’ history.
“This is the darkest day in the history of Implats and our hearts are heavy for the lives lost and the individuals affected by this devastating accident,” he said.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the 11 miners and conveyed sympathy to those injured in the incident. Nico Muller also highlighted that they are providing support to the families who lost their loved ones.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of our colleagues and are in the process of ensuring all next of kin have been contacted. Implats is offering ongoing support to the families and colleagues of those lost in service. We also hold our injured colleagues in our thoughts at this incredibly difficult time.”
Investigations Launched into Implats Mine Accident
National Union of Metalworkers general secretary Irvin Jim revealed that they have already sent officials to investigate.
“We have dispatched our officials on the ground in Rustenburg to get more information on the incident. We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones in this terrible incident.”
Meanwhile, Implats has also already started investigating the cause of the accident.