Coalbrook disaster

The Coalbrook disaster was a catastrophic mining accident in South Africa in 1960, where a massive underground mine collapse caused a chain reaction of rock falls. This failure trapped around 1,800 miners underground, leading to the deaths of approximately 437 workers. The disaster was triggered by a mining method called the "bord and pillar" system, which left unsupported sections vulnerable. Emergency response efforts focused on rescue and recovery. The tragedy highlighted the importance of improved safety measures, proper support systems, and geotechnical assessments in mining operations to prevent such devastating events.