/ 21 February 2006

Three killed in Thabazimbi mine blast

Three people were killed in an underground explosion at the Northam Platinum mine in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, on Monday, the mining company said.

Spokesperson Marion Brower said in a statement released on Tuesday that the accident happened at 2pm at a depth of about 1,6km underground.

”Management is currently engaging with the DME [Department of Minerals and Energy] and the unions in launching an investigation into the cause of the incident,” Brower said.

No one else was injured in the explosion.

The names of the deceased are being withheld until their next of kin have been informed of the accident. — Sapa