167 Rescued From South African Gold Mine

Some 167 workers trapped in a gold mine for more than 24 hours were safely brought to the surface late Sunday, the South African Press Association reported.

Mine spokesman James Duncan said there were no injuries and the mine workers had received adequate water and ventilation and remained in telephone contact with the surface throughout, according to SAPA.

The workers - mainly maintenance staff - were trapped when lightning struck an electrical substation late Saturday and caused a complete power blackout. Electricity supplies were re-established Sunday and engineers managed to connect the power to the underground winders and lifts.

The Blyvooruitzicht gold mine is near the mining center of Carletonville.

The South African Press Association quotes mine spokesman James Duncan as saying the miners had access to water and medical assistance while they were trapped.