An accident at the Impala Platinum Mine left eleven mine workers dead and a further 75 badly injured last night. The injured workers were rescued, transferred and admitted for treatment at four different hospitals in the region.

The mining company said the accident happened at their operations in Rustenburg in the North West. Impala spokesperson Johan Theron confirmed that there has been a serious safety incident with a winder rope at a shaft. "It is with regret Implats reports that a serious incident involving a winder rope occurred this afternoon at our shaft 11 operation at Impala at Rustenburg. This rope is connected to the personnel conveyance which hosts employees up and down the shaft. The conveyance comprises three levels, each with a capacity to carry 35 personnel," Theron said.

Theron added that following the incident, the paramedics and the rescue teams were immediately mobilised to access the underground workings and the two upper levels of the conveyance have been cleared. "The rescue is now focused on clearing the lower level. The safety of our employees is paramount and we are looking for all possible support to those involved and working closely with the relevant authorities. We remain steadfast in our dedication to ensuring our colleagues are brought home safely and continue to prioritise safety above all else. Implats will provide regular updates when new information becomes available," said Theron. The mine CEO, Nico Muller said this was the darkest day in the history of Implats. "Our hearts are heavy for the lives lost and the individuals affected by this devastating accident. We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of our colleagues and are in the process of ensuring all next of kin have been contacted," he said. Muller added that all the miners in the shaft have been accounted for. "In total, there were 86, 11 died and 75 were injured."