One confirmed dead as mining pit caves in at Region 8

Last Updated on Friday, 19 June 2015, 2:39 by GxMedia

by Zena Henry

A 25-year-old man has been confirmed dead after the gold mining pit in which he was working in Region Eight collapsed, trapping him underneath.

Commander of ‘F’ Division Courtney Ramsey told Demerara Waves Thursday June 17 that the dead man has been identified as Orlando Archer, of 65 South Turkeyen.

He said the incident occurred, about 11:20hours Thursday morning at a place called Jumbie Backdam in the Potaro region.

He said the information received is that the deceased along with other workers were operating in the pit when its western wall caved in. The other men, Ramsey explained, were able to make a run for it an avoided the deadly debris. The dead man’s body is said to be at the Mahdia mortuary awaiting transfer to the city.

This accident comes just weeks after 10 persons lost their lives in a similar manner. That incident had occurred in the Mowasi Backdam in the said Potaro region. The men were said to be working in the mining pit when its walls also caved in.

The Commander said one other person was injured. Forty-four Leonard Persaud of Sophia was said to have sustained injuries to his right left leg and shoulder. He is getting medical treatment at the Mahdia Hospital.