1986: Miners killed in South African gold mine fire
Over 170 miners are killed in a gold mine fire at Kinross, South Africa, on 16 September 1986.
The fire began when a welder鈥檚 spark ignited the plastic foam lining of the tunnel walls. Poisonous gas spread rapidly through the shafts and tunnels of the mine, killing most of the miners where they worked.
The Congress of South Africans Trade Unions established a national health and safety day in recognition of the tragedy.
大象传媒 Archive: Originally broadcast 16 September 1986.