Dozens trapped in South African mine collapse

Dozens of miners were trapped underground for several hours following the collapse of a gold mine in northeastern South Africa, the Sky News reported.

A spokesman for the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) initially said around 115 of its members were "unaccounted for" after offices at Goldfields Lily Mine in Barberton, 224 miles east of Johannesburg, "tragically caved-in" at 8.40am (local time) on Friday.

Mike McChesney, chief executive of the small gold producer Vantage Goldfields, said most of the trapped 87 workers had been brought to the surface.

The firm said three people remained unaccounted for as rescuers continued to search for those missing.

There were no reports of any fatalities, and paramedics at the scene said those rescued had not suffered serious injuries.

Trapped miners were brought to the surface through ventilation shafts, the Barberton Times reported.

South Africa, which has several gold, platinum, diamond and coal pits, has been dogged by several mining accidents recently.

Source: MENA