Mine shaft drama: Hope fades for Richard Thole’s family
Ekurhuleni Mayor Mzwandile Masina yesterday confirmed the family of a five-year-old boy who fell into a disused mine shaft in Boksburg must brace themselves for the worst.
Masina said the rescue service team has painted a grim picture of the situation after several attempts to rescue Richard Thole, who has been trapped since Saturday.
The rescue mission was yesterday suspended after the rescue workers encountered new challenges, such as rock falls.
The mayor held a briefing on the status of the rescue operation in Germiston on Wednesday.
Masina says rescuing Thole is near impossible under the current circumstances.
The mayor said the low oxygen levels, acidic water and the depth of the shaft offer little hope of retrieving the child.
“Assessment indicated the Jerusalem mine shaft measured 12 per cent oxygen at the depth of 36 meters below.
“We are worried about the body, we’re worried that there’s water in the mine.
“There are a lot of worries that are already emerging, that’s why we’re bracing ourselves for worse,” said Masina.
Masina said he has sent a letter to the Minister of Defence for further assistance in the rescue operation.
Mine shaft drama: Search for boy (5) suspended
