By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The death toll from a mining tragedy last week that involved an elevator has risen to 13 people after a worker died at a hospital, Impala Platinum management confirmed on Monday.
The miner succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Sunday.
The mineworkers were injured when the elevator used to bring the workers back up to the surface malfunctioned.
The mine operator said that 50 workers remained hospitalized, with eight of them in critical care.
Spokesperson Johan Theron says 23 employees have since been discharged from hospital. Out of 50 employees who remain in hospital, eight are in critical care.
“Yesterday’s fatality brings to 13 the number of employees who have passed on following the 11 Shaft accident.”
Theron said a memorial service will be held on Wednesday.
“A memorial service will be held at Impala Rustenburg to allow for our employees to come together to honour the memory of our lost, injured and affected colleagues.
“In line with the wishes of the families involved, Implats will only release the names of our deceased colleagues on the day of the memorial service,” he added.
The industrial elevator was carrying 86 workers to the surface when it suddenly dropped back down into the shaft, which is a kilometer (about a ½-mile) deep.
The mine in the northern city of Rustenburg was the world’s biggest platinum producer last year. South Africa is by far the world’s biggest platinum-producing country.