Underground fire kills four Implats miners

Johannesburg – Four mineworkers have died following a fire which broke out underground at an Impala Platinum mine in Rustenburg on Friday, the mineral resources department said on Sunday.

"As a department we are very saddened by this tragic incident. The health and safety of workers is of paramount importance and should continue to be a priority in all operations," Minister Mosebenzi Zwane said.

The fire broke out on Friday evening.

Zwane sent condolences to the families and colleagues of the mineworkers. He was expected to visit the mine, accompanied by some members of the bereaved families, on Sunday afternoon.