More than 900 trapped in South African gold mine after power cuts halt lift shaft

More than 900 gold miners are believed to be trapped underground in South Africa after a power cut shut down a lift shaft.

Local reports have said 950 people are stuck underground at the Beatrix gold mine in Welkom after a major storm sparked power outages.

The company responsible for the mine, Sibanye-Stillwater, has said none of the workers are in any immediate danger.

But local unions have expressed are expressing concern, saying some of the trapped miners could suffer from dehydration or might lack access to medication.

The African News Agency reports Thursday that the miners are believed to be safe while they await evacuation.

Colleagues of the miners say they are helping to deliver food and water to them.

“All employees appear to be fine. We are supplying food and water,” James Wellsted, spokesman for Sibanye-Stillwater, told AFP.

Throughout the day, one cable was restores and about 65 people were rescued but 950 were still trapped as night fell.

The black-out was sparked by a thunderstorm that cut out power in the whole region.