The death toll from a monthslong standoff between police and miners trapped in an abandoned South African gold mine has risen to at least 87, police said Thursday as they concluded a rescue operation. Authorities believe nearly 2,000 miners were working illegally underground since August last year. Many resurfaced on their own in recent months, but the official rescue operation, which began Monday, recovered 78 bodies, while nine had been found previously.
STILFONTEIN, South Africa — The death toll in a monthslong standoff between police and miners trapped while working illegally underground at an abandoned gold mine in South Africa has risen to at least 87, police said Thursday as they wound down a rescue operation that has pulled more than 240 survivors out from deep underground.
Police announced Wednesday that they were ending the rescue operation and believed no one else was underground. A camera would be sent down on Thursday to make certain, Mathe said. The mine is one of the deepest in South Africa and the miners were working up to 2.5 kilometers underground. South African authorities have been widely criticized for their approach, having cut off food and supplies to the miners for a period of time last year in an attempt, as one Cabinet minister said, to “smoke them out.”
MINE RESCUE SOUTH AFRICA DEATHS ILLEGAL MINING GOLD MINE
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South African Mine Rescue Ends After Months Trapped Underground, Death Toll at Least 78South African police ended a rescue operation at an abandoned gold mine, confirming at least 78 deaths and rescuing 246 survivors. The miners were trapped for months while working illegally in one of the country's deepest mines. The operation concluded after community volunteers reported no more bodies or survivors. Critics blame authorities for delaying the rescue, leading to the miners' deaths from starvation or dehydration.
Read more »
Remembering Beandri Booysen: A South African InspirationBeandri Booysen, a young woman from South Africa, who battled the rare condition progeria, passed away recently. Known for her positive attitude and determination, she inspired many with her story.
Read more »
Beloved South African Teen With Progeria Passes AwayBeandri Booysen, a young woman known for her positivity and inspirational spirit, has sadly passed away. She was the last surviving person with progeria in South Africa.
Read more »
Beloved South African Teen, Beandri Booysen, Passes Away at Young AgeBeandri Booysen, a young South African woman known for her positivity and inspirational spirit, passed away at a young age. Diagnosed with progeria, a rare genetic disorder that causes accelerated aging, Beandri used her platform to inspire others and raise awareness about those with special needs.
Read more »
At least 100 illegal miners have died while trapped in a South African mine, group saysJOHANNESBURG (AP) — At least 100 people who were mining illegally in an abandoned gold mine in South Africa have died after being trapped deep underground for months while police tried to get them out, a group representing the miners said Monday.
Read more »
100 Miners Dead in Abandoned South African Gold Mine, Hundreds Still TrappedMore than 100 illegal miners have died of starvation and dehydration in an abandoned South African gold mine, while hundreds more remain trapped. The tragedy occurred as police attempted to force the miners out, raising questions about the methods used and the government's handling of the situation.
Read more »