Illegal miners trapped underground
An operation to rescue at least 30 people who are trapped underground started taking place earlier on Sunday February 16 in the East Rand.
BENONI – Ekurhuleni emergency services spokesperson Roggers Mamaila said emergency services know of at least 30 people who are trapped five metres below the surface in a ventilation shaft.
Mamaila said the men trapped were in communication with people above ground at around noon today.
The men are believed to be illegal miners.
They are believed to be trapped under two boulders five metres underground.
The men told emergency services there could be about 300 other people trapped further underground.
Mamaila said an attempt will be made to remove two boulders which are trapping the men this afternoon.
“It is a very risky operation and we will try do it as safely as possible,” said Mamaila.
Mamaila said the water was lowered through a small opening in the ventilation shaft where the alleged illegal miners are stuck.
A tripod device has been erected in a bid to remove two rocks that are said to be blocking the entrance to the shaft.
More than 60 rescuers and emergency personnel are on the scene.
He said the Mine Rescue Services will be contacted should their help be needed in the extraction.
The men have apparently been trapped in the shaft since yesterday afternoon. The rocks trapping the men were allegedly thrown down the shaft by men who are suspected of robbing the trapped people.
The shaft is believed to have been closed off by the company which owns the mining rights to the property, Gold One.
Source: Benoni City Times
