Miners plunge 2km to death in shaft

Press, 29 March 1980, Page 9

Miners plunge 2km to death in shaft

NZPA - Reuter Johanessburg An elevator cage has plunged 2km down a shaft in the world’s largest gold mine. Vaal Reef Gold mine officials say at least 23 miners have been smashed to death. . .Mining sources yesterday said a rescue team was “shovelling the remains ’ into white plastic mortuary bags.” But there was no word on when the bodies would be brought to the surface. The mine manager, Mr

John Eplett, said it was not immediately clear how the accident had happened. South African television reported an investigator was at the site. It was believed the service cage carrying the shift workers had jammed at the start of the shaft, he said. The cage had apparently jerked free and the bridle, or metal frame surrounding it, had sheared off from the cable, failing 2000 m to the bottom of the shaft at an estimated 260km/h. Officials said the

miners’ bones had probably pierced their vital organs when the cage bounced, killing all passengers instantly. “Only a foot or a hand recognisable down there,” one source said. Officials said production at the shaft, which produces some of the mine’s highest-grade gold ore, was expected to resume within 24 hours. In the meantime, miners are being lowered through other parts of the shaft for routine work.