South African authorities are continuing round‑the‑clock rescue operations to reach miners still trapped underground at Ekapa Mine in Kimberley after a sudden water flood and mud rush on 17 February left four workers trapped and one confirmed dead.
The accident occurred at the mine’s Du Toitspan Joint Shaft where a rapid inrush of water, mud and debris engulfed the working area, cutting off escape routes and overwhelming the crew underground.
After 20 days of continuous rescue efforts, the body of one worker was recovered on 9 March.
Four miners remain unaccounted for as specialised teams continue drilling, pumping and clearing debris in an effort complicated by unstable ground conditions.
Members of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources visited the site this week, urging mine management to sustain the intensive rescue effort.
“Our primary concern at this point is the retrieval of workers still trapped underground,” committee chairperson Mikateko Mahlaule said.
Rescue teams remain on site as the search enters its fourth week, with authorities stressing that operations will continue until all trapped workers are found.
JN/APA