Five Killed in South African Coal Mine Gas Explosion, According to Reuters

Five people lost their lives due to a gas explosion in an abandoned coal mine located in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Authorities reported that several individuals remain trapped underground following the incident on Thursday.

According to local reports, around 20 people are still believed to be stuck in the mine situated in Middleburg. The rescue operations are facing significant challenges due to dangerously elevated levels of toxic gas present in the mine.

The mine is owned by Tegeta Resources and Exploration, which is currently under creditor protection. This situation arose after the Gupta brothers, the owners, encountered difficulties conducting business in South Africa amid corruption allegations against them.

Police spokesperson Leonard Hlati stated that a group of individuals had entered the mine on Wednesday afternoon to steal electrical wiring intended for lighting and ventilation when a gas pipe exploded. “The mine is wired with copper. They were going for copper,” Hlati noted. Copper theft is a common issue in disused mines across South Africa, where it is often sold as scrap metal.

Attempts to reach the Gupta brothers, their legal representatives, and officials associated with their companies regarding the mine incident have been unsuccessful. The brothers, who previously led one of the country’s largest conglomerates, have faced accusations of unduly influencing former president Jacob Zuma concerning political appointments and contract acquisitions. Both Zuma and the Guptas have denied any wrongdoing.