Sludge dam was 'nearly full'

Monday 28 February 1994 00:02 GMT

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A South African gold-mining company allowed a sludge dam to fill within inches of its top, causing the dam to burst its wall after a downpour, spewing 2.5 million tons of mud into the town of Virginia, the Sunday Times said yesterday, AFP reports from Johannesburg. At least 14 people were killed, and 33 people are still missing.

If negligence or contravention of safety regulations is proven, the mine's insurance policies could be invalidated, leaving a compensation bill that could reach pounds 38m, the paper said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Sludge dam was 'nearly full'

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering