177 Kinross Mine disaster victims remembered
National Union of Mineworkers held commemoration service for the 177 mineworkers who died in the Kinross Mine disaster in 1986.
EVANDER – The local branch of the National Union of Mineworkers (Num) led the annual commemoration of the Kinross Mine disaster on Saturday, 20 September.
It was held at the Evander Gold Mine Shaft 8 where 177 mine workers were killed, 235 were injured and 2 400 workers were rescued on 16 September 1986.
An acetylene tank sparked flames that swept through the mining tunnel, igniting plastic covering on wiring.
The flames also set fire to polyurethane that is used to keep walls in the mine dry.
The burning plastic, combined with the polyurethane churned toxic fumes that filled the shafts, choking miners to death.
The disaster made it one of the worst gold mining disasters in the South African history.
Num complained about low safety standards after the disaster in the mines and organised a protest.
Mine workers staged one of the largest protests in the country on 1 October in the same year.
Workers stayed away from work and others held memorial services to mourn those who died in the accident.
The commemoration was attended by Govan Mbeki municipal representatives, members of the ANC.
Mr Frans Baleni (Num general secretary), Mr Peter Bailey (Num national health and safety chairman), Mr David Msiza (department of mineral resources chief inspector of mines) and Cosatu and Alliance leadership also attended.
