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Rescue underway for trapped South African miners

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Concerned authorities in South Africa are carrying out a major rescue operation following the collapse of a building at the surface of a gold mine which also blocked the main entrance of the mine near the north-eastern town of Barberton.

Reports say at least 70 miners had used the emergency exit to reach the surface when the incident occurred but three other workers who were thought to be have been inside the collapsed building are still missing.

Read also: South Africa opens inquiry into death of 5 kids locked in freezer

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) said in a statement on its website, that the three missing workers were stationed in the lamp room close to the surface of the mine when the incident occurred.

However, the AMCU informed that 75 miners were rescued, while also noting that it was “outraged at another terrible mining disaster”.

Reports say at least 77 workers were killed in various mining accidents last year which is the lowest number on record with South Africa’s deep gold mines often posing serious safety issues.

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