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, officials have said.
The 2.2km (1.4mile) shaft was blocked near the bottom, trapping the workers.
A pipe broke, severing power cables to the lift and trapping workers at the bottom of a 2.2km (1.4 mile) shaft.
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 planning to use an adjacent shaft to lift them out, a spokeswoman for the mine's owner, Harmony Gold Mining, said.
The accident happened at about 1000 (0800 GMT), some 80km (50 miles) north-east of Johannesburg.
The accident happened at about 1000 (0800 GMT), some 80km (50 miles) west of Johannesburg.
The spokeswoman, Amelia Soares, said no-one was injured and that the bottom of the shaft where the miners are trapped is well ventilated.
She said rescuers were in contact with the miners, and planned to begin lifting them very soon.
However, only 75 miners could be lifted out at a time through the adjacent ventilation shaft, she added.
'Poor safety record'
A spokesman for South Africa's National Union of Mineworkers said they were extremely concerned for the miners' safety.
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.
"We are, you know, losing hope because... from six o'clock in the morning up until now the miners might actually be suffocating," Lesiba Seshoka 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."
"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.
Mr Sheshoka said South Africa's mines have a poor safety record.
Mr Seshoka said South Africa's mines have a poor safety record.
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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.
