The death toll following last month’s accident at the Impala Platinum mine in Rustenburg’s 11 shaft, has risen to 13. This after one of the mineworkers who was injured during the accident succumbed to his injuries.
“It is with deep sorrow and regret, that an employee who was hospitalised following the accident on 27 November, succumbed to his injuries, and passed away on Sunday. Implats has offered its condolences to and remains in close contact with his family,” the company said in a statement.
This brings to 13 the number of employees who have passed on following the 11 Shaft accident,” read a statement from the company.
The company said a total of 23 employees have been discharged from hospital, 50 remain in hospital and eight in critical care.
The accident happened last week Monday, after a cage carrying 86 mineworkers malfunctioned and plunged 200 meters to the bottom of the shaft. Meanwhile, the mine said a memorial service will be held on Wednesday.
“Implats has set aside Wednesday as a day of remembrance for our employees, who have all been impacted by this tragic event. It will be held to allow for our employees to come together to honour the memory of our lost, injured and affected colleagues,” added the statement.
The mine added that the names of the deceased will only be released on the day of the memorial service.
