Harare - State radio says all 178 miners affected by an underground fire in southwestern Zimbabwe are safe and have returned home to their families.
The radio said Wednesday the last 65 miners trapped at the Mimosa platinum mine about 400 kilometers southwest of Harare were brought to the surface late Tuesday, about 24 hours after conveyor equipment collapsed and ignited a fire. Rescue operations were delayed by poor visibility and smoke and gas in the 100 meter shaft.
In all, 178 miners were evacuated from the mine after the incident. Early Tuesday, 20 men were rescued but the other 65 remained in underground safety bays using breathing equipment. None suffered injuries, the mine owners said.
Zimbabwe is the second largest producer of platinum after South Africa. - Sapa-AP