6 die in tunnel accident at energy firm work site in S Africa

Six construction workers were killed today when a platform collapsed inside a tunnel at a work site for South Africa's energy giant Eskom, the state-owned company said.

The accident took place at a site in the eastern Kwa-Zulu Natal province.

"Six people have been confirmed dead after an unfortunate incident that occurred this morning at ... Ingula pumped storage construction site near Ladysmith," it said in a statement.

It said "about 15 people were working in the tunnel when a working platform failed." Several others were injured.

An investigations has been launched.