Doornkop tragedy: Ninth body finally found
The ninth and final body has been found and recovered after 17 mineworkers were trapped underground during the Doornkop mine fire.
Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (Harmony) confirmed with deep sadness that rescue workers recovered the body of the last mineworker that was unaccounted for, following Tuesday evening 4 February’s underground seismic event.
On Friday 7 February a press release stated that the last body had been located and was in the process of being recovered by rescue workers, bringing to nine the total number of mineworkers that perished following the tragedy.
Harmony CEO Graham Briggs repeated his personal condolences along with those of the company’s board of directors and management to the family, friends and colleagues of those who had died, saying that families affected by the fire “will be provided with the support that they require at this time”.
Briggs also praised many rescue workers who volunteered their services for their commitment to the process.
“We appreciate those that worked under the auspices of the Mines Rescue Service for their unstinting, around-the-clock efforts during the search and rescue process.
“The rescue teams’ common spirit of selflessness, courage and camaraderie has been an inspiration to us at this sad time.”
Briggs also thanked Harmony management, the relevant unions and the Department of Mineral Resources for their efforts.
“An intensive investigation into the cause of this tragedy is now priority,” Briggs said, saying that representatives from the company, organised labour and the health and safety directorate of the Department of Mineral Resources will be involved.
A memorial service will be held for those who had succumbed to the Doornkop tragedy on Wednesday 12 February.
