More than 3,000 workers are trapped deep underground in a South African gold mine after an accident blocked a deep shaft, officials have said.
More than 3,000 workers are trapped deep underground in a South African gold mine after an accident blocked a deep shaft, officials have said.
The 2.2km (1.4mile) shaft was blocked near the bottom, trapping the workers.
The 2.2km (1.4mile) shaft was blocked near the bottom, trapping the workers.
Rescuers are trying to use an adjacent shaft to rescue the miners, a spokeswoman for the mine's owner, Harmony Gold Mining, said.
Rescuers are trying to use an adjacent shaft to rescue the miners, a spokeswoman for the mine's owner, Harmony Gold Mining, said.
The accident happened at about 0800 GMT and there has been no communication with the miners since then, she said.
The accident happened at about 1000 (0800 GMT), some 80km (50 miles) north-east of Johannesburg.
A spokesman for South Africa's National Union of Mineworkers said they were extremely concerned for the miners' safety.
"We are, you know, losing hope because... from six o'clock in the morning up until now the miners might actually be suffocating," Lesiba Sheshoka told the BBC.
"Because of the fact that there's been a fall of ground so anything can actually happen, you know. We are just crossing our fingers that something good will come out of this."
The Elandsrand mine is in the Witwatersrand Basin, which holds the world's largest gold deposit.
The Elandsrand mine is in the Witwatersrand Basin, which holds the world's largest gold deposit.
The mines there are among the deepest in the world.
The mines there are among the deepest in the world.
South Africa's mines have a poor safety record, said a spokesman for the country's National Union of Mineworkers.
Mr Sheshoka said South Africa's mines have a poor safety record.
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by this accident, or have you seen or heard anything? Send your comments or pictures using the form below.
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by this accident, or have you seen or heard anything? Send your comments or pictures using the form below.
