Archive · 11 Aug 2026
At least 14 miners killed in South Africa mine collapse
Something very sad happened in a country called South Africa.
Some people were digging for valuable metals inside a big hole in the ground called a mine.
The dirt and rock walls of the mine suddenly fell down and trapped the people inside.
At least 14 of those people lost their lives, and eight others were hurt.
The accident happened at night, near a city called Rustenburg.
The diggers were working without permission, which police call operating illicitly.
Police officers came to the mine to help and to look for more people who might still be trapped.
They brought special dogs and equipment to help with the search.
The police said they do not yet know if anyone else is still missing underground.
Everyone is hoping the search brings answers.
At least 14 artisanal miners died and eight were injured when the walls of a mine in South Africa caved in, police said Tuesday.
The cave-in occurred Monday night while the miners were operating illicitly near the city of Rustenburg.
Rustenburg is a hub for platinum mining in South Africa, about 130 km (80 miles) northwest of Johannesburg.
North West provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Arthur Adams said a search was ongoing and it was not yet clear if there were more victims.
Sniffer dogs and specialised equipment were deployed to search for anyone else trapped underground.
- Who
- At least 14 artisanal miners who were operating illicitly; North West provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Arthur Adams is leading the police response.
- What
- A mine wall collapse killed at least 14 miners and injured eight, with an ongoing search for possible additional victims.
- When
- The cave-in happened Monday night; police reported it on Tuesday.
- Where
- Near the city of Rustenburg, about 130 km (80 miles) northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Why
- The walls of the mine caved in while the miners were working illicitly; the exact cause was not stated in the reports.
- Incident
- Mine wall collapse
- Deaths
- At least 14
- Injured
- 8
- Location
- Near Rustenburg, North West province, South Africa
- Distance from Johannesburg
- About 130 km (80 miles) northwest
- Mining activity
- Illicit artisanal mining
- Timing
- Cave-in on Monday night; reported Tuesday
- Search status
- Ongoing; sniffer dogs and specialised equipment deployed