Rescuers say no more bodies in abandoned South African mine, conclude operations: Video

Name: Rescuers say no more bodies in abandoned South African mine, conclude operations: Video
Uploaded: 2025-01-16T17:28:17.707Z
Duration: PT20.748S
Description: Rescue teams in South Africa have concluded their operations at an abandoned gold mine, where at least 78 miners were confirmed dead.

A worker from Mines Rescue Services operates a mobile rescue winder that was used for rescue operations at the mine shaft in Stilfontein

A worker from Mines Rescue Services operates a mobile rescue winder that was used for rescue operations at the mine shaft, where rescue operations are now completed, as authorities say that no miners remain below ground after attempts were made to rescue illegal miners who have been underground for months, in Stilfontein, South Africa, January 16, 2025. REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee

Source: REUTERS

Rescue teams in South Africa have concluded their operations at an abandoned gold mine, where at least 78 miners were confirmed dead.

The rescue mission, which spanned several days, aimed to retrieve both survivors and the bodies of those who perished while working illegally underground.

The rescue operation began after reports surfaced of illegal miners trapped deep within the mine. Throughout the mission, 246 survivors were successfully brought to the surface.

The miners, who had been underground for months, faced dire conditions, including starvation and dehydration.

Illegal mining is a pervasive issue in South Africa, where abandoned mines often become sites for unregulated and dangerous mining activities. The miners, driven by economic desperation, risk their lives in search of valuable minerals left behind in these disused mines.

Abigail Johnson Boakye