A coalmine explosion in Rhodesia kills over four hundred workers

Over four hundred mine workers lost their lives in Rhodesia’s (now Zimbabwe) worst mine disaster ever. The disaster stunned the whole country and the world. Over a third of those who perished were citizens of Rhodesia’s neighbouring countries of Malawi, Namibia, Mozambique and Botswana. The explosion happened at no.2 Colliery in the town of Wankie’s (now Hwange), Matebeleland. The initial explosion was caused by a methane explosion which was followed by a cold- dust explosion. A monument has been erected on the site in remembrance of the miners who perished.