82 Rescued, 36 Confirmed Dead in South African Gold Mine Tragedy
Rescue operation reveals shocking scenes of survival and tragedy beneath the earth
- 36 bodies recovered and 82 survivors rescued after a two-day operation in an illegal gold mine
- Police have been cracking down on illegal mining activities since August 2024
- isturbing footage reveals skeletal survivors and dozens of lifeless bodies deep underground
In a harrowing two-day rescue operation, South African authorities recovered 36 bodies and rescued 82 survivors from an illegal gold mine in Stilfontein, approximately 150 km from Johannesburg.
The police confirmed the grim outcome on Tuesday, adding that all survivors face charges related to illegal mining and immigration violations.
The mine has been under intense scrutiny since August, with law enforcement cutting off essential supplies in a bid to push miners to the surface as part of a broader crackdown on illegal mining.
Rescue teams were seen transporting frail miners on stretchers, while others—weak and exhausted—sat on the ground surrounded by authorities and medical staff.
Disturbing video footage, shared by a miners’ advocacy group, revealed skeletal survivors and numerous lifeless bodies deep within the mine.
