Hundreds of workers remain trapped in a gold mine in South Africa after a thunderstorm caused the lift to break down, preventing them from getting out.

A spokesman for the mine operator, Sibyane-Stillwater said that around 65 miners have been rescued with the remaining miners receiving food and water.

Mine unions have expressed concern for the miners with chronic conditions and no access to medication, with as many as 1200 miners still thought to be trapped.