JOHANNESBURG, South Africa: A water pipe burst & probably caused a gold-mine shaft to collapse trapping 3,000?

Question

I just received this via email:

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Associate Press) A water pipe burst and probably caused a gold-mine shaft to collapse, trapping some 3,000 workers underground, the mineworkers' union said.

Does anyone have any new updates? I just said a big prayer, but I don't know if they are already dead. Any info would be much appreciated. Thank you.

It's like 5:18PM PST and I just received a new update:

CARLETONVILLE, South Africa (Associated Press) Officials say rescuers have begun evacuating workers trapped in a South African gold mine, bringing 74 to safety.

This means desertviking you were very right to be hopeful and accurate in your response. Thank you! I just get so depressed when anyone dies but esp. masses of people.

Minnie: I feel that. I am so crushed...I am still crying.

Answer 1

3,200. Can you imagine? How greedy the mine owners appear in my little mind.... No updates. They can only rescue 74 at a time and they have already started. Me personally, I don't buy Gold. Jewelry mean nothing to me on any level. So, I am not supporting the mine that is probably exploiting the workers. I am waiting with held breath to see what the final outcome is.

Answer 2

It was a pipe which fell and cut off power to the elevator at the Elandrand shaft near Carletonville. All of the miners trapped below ground are uninjured. They are trying to configure another elevator to go down and rescue them. The source below is the link for the web edition of the Johannseburg Star newspaper.

Answer 3

i hope they arew ok. i think theywill be. because its a broken lift. not a floood or a major mine collapse . poor men i hope they are out soon

Answer 4

This is all I could find on the story, I'm sure more details will follow when they have more.

Answer 5

cnn.com has nothing new on this.....