2 dead, several missing after mine dam wall collapses in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG

Two people have died and several others remain missing after a dam wall of an abandoned mine collapsed in South Africa.

Rushing water and powerful mudslides destroyed multiple houses and wrecked infrastructure in Jagersfontein, a small diamond mining town in Free State province, after the mine’s reservoir wall caved in on Sunday.

A government statement on Monday said teams are engaged in search and rescue operations.

“Four persons have been reported missing, while 23 patients have been treated for hypothermia and four for broken legs,” the statement said.

Authorities are also providing medical and other assistance to displaced people, it added.

President Cyril Ramaphosa offered condolences to affected citizens and is expected to visit the area later on Monday.​​​​​​​