Several South African miners trapped, media reports say

JOHANNESBURG – South African media say several miners are trapped at an abandoned mine where they were working illegally.

State broadcaster SABC says Monday that rescuers have suspended a search at the Johannesburg mine because of concerns about possible fire and poisonous gases below ground.

Four illegal miners were rescued on Sunday from the mine, where they had hoped to find gold.

The number of missing miners is unclear, though some media reports have said "several" are trapped because they fainted after inhaling carbon monoxide.

Illegal mining is common in South Africa, a major producer of gold and platinum. Penalties for illegal mining include fines and prison time in some cases.