At least 100 people are reported dead as rescue efforts continue at an illegal gold mine in South Africa

CBS News affiliate BBC News reports that six more bodies have been recovered from an illegal gold mine in South Africa. Many people reportedly died underground after authorities tried to force them out and seal the mine in November. According to the BBC, 8 people were rescued safely on Tuesday, and 26 people were rescued on Monday.

A group representing the miners told Britain’s Sky News that more than 100 people involved in illegal mining at the abandoned mine have died since the crackdown began. The raids have cut off access to food and water to miners, who claim they are trespassing, the BBC reports.

Last week, the government was ordered by a court to facilitate the rescue operation.

Videos taken inside the mine on cellphones and seen being brought to the surface by rescuers show emaciated people and corpses wrapped in makeshift body bags. CBS News could not independently verify the videos.

The General Industrial Workers of South Africa union, also known as Giwusa, released a video that CBS News could not independently verify, showing dozens of men sitting on the floor with an off-camera voice saying they were hungry and in need. help

“We’re starting to show you the bodies of the dead underground,” said a voice in the video. “And that’s not all. … Do you see how people are struggling? Please, we need help.”

At a briefing on Monday, Giwusa leaders described the situation at the mine as “carnage”, the BBC reports.

Giwusa president Mametlwe Sebei said, “These images show a pile of human corpses, of miners who died needlessly.”

South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources told the BBC that Monday’s rescue involved lowering a cage meant for six or seven people into the mine. He said that the cage goes up and down with the shaft every hour.