Tragedy struck at the Rustenburg mine, operated by Impala Platinum in South Africa, as an elevator transporting workers to the surface plunged uncontrollably, resulting in the loss of 11 lives and injuries to 75 individuals, according to the mine operators on Tuesday.
The catastrophic incident occurred on Monday evening when over 80 employees were exiting a shaft at the conclusion of their shift, stated Impala Platinum.
The mine raised an alarm shortly before 5:00 pm (1500 GMT) as the lift unexpectedly began its descent.
Impala Platinum clarified that the rapid descent was halted by the conveyance counterweight getting trapped by the jack catches, a safety system designed to prevent lifts and underground trains from rolling back in emergencies.
Nico Muller, CEO of Impala Platinum (Implats), expressed grief over the loss, stating, “Our hearts are heavy for the lives lost and the individuals affected by this devastating accident.”
The company confirmed that 75 workers sustained injuries and were promptly transported to local hospitals for treatment. Implats’ spokesperson, Johan Theron, mentioned that while some suffered severe injuries such as ankle and leg fractures, others were fortunate to exit with minor scratches.
Rescue operations concluded with all 86 employees involved accounted for, the company assured.
Implats suspended all operations at the mine on Tuesday, initiating an investigation into the accident while providing continuous support to the affected families and injured workers.
South Africa, known as the world’s leading producer of platinum, has witnessed recurring mine accidents due to its significant workforce in the industry.
Despite improvements in safety standards over the past decades, incidents resulting in fatalities, such as this elevator plunge, underscore the risks inherent in mining operations.
