Two trapped in collapsed mine shaft in Roodepoort

Two people, suspected to be illegal miners, are trapped in a collapsed mine shaft in Rand Leases.

According to Florida CPF chairperson Farhaad Sardiwalla, he received a call from a community member at around 19:00 on February 8, informing about the trapped men.

“I rushed to the scene and came across what appears to be an air vent shaft. I could hear faint shouting emanating from the shaft.

“I alerted Florida police and the City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (CoJEMS), who responded to the scene.

“It quickly became apparent that this would not be an easy rescue, as the men are trapped very deep underground. Emergency Search and Rescue Unit members assessed the scene, determining that the collapse occurred about 60 metres down, and the men are trapped somewhere below.”

Another source told the Roodepoort Record that elevated CO2 levels were detected in the shaft. This apparently necessitated the abandonment of initial rescue attempts.

The Record spoke to CoJEMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi at the scene, and was told the operation to rescue the men falls under the auspices of the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR), since CoJEMS is only authorised to conduct rescues up to two metre depths.

“The scene has been taken over by DMR and we are here to support them. Mine Rescue Services are on scene and assessing the best way forward,” he said.

At the Record’s arrival at the shaft, faint moaning could be heard coming from underground, though there is no indication as yet as to the condition of the men.

According to community and family members, the men, who live at Jerusalema informal settlement, were out looking for firewood when they came across the shaft, and fashioned a makeshift ladder from discarded tyres with which to climb in.

Rescue efforts are continuing.

Watch this space for more as this story unfolds.