Miners trapped in collapsed mining pit

Last Updated on Sunday, 14 June 2026, 8:49 by Writer

Efforts were continuing on Sunday to rescue or recover two miners who were trapped in a caved in gold mining pit at St Elizabeth Backdam, Potaro, Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni), police said.

The Guyana Police Force identified the trapped men as Franky Hussain, 32, of North West District, Region #1 and Neunes Neunes Da Silva, 38, a Brazilian pork-knocker.

“Efforts are presently being made by the owner of the mining operation and workers to recover the trapped men,” police said in a statement.

Police said the mining pit caved in on Saturday at about 3:23 p.m.

“Preliminary enquiries revealed that the men were working in a mining pit, about 60 feet deep, along with other workers when sections of the eastern and western walls reportedly collapsed,” police said.

The other workers managed to escape from the pit but Hussain and Da Silva were trapped under the fallen debris, which also covered an excavator, police added.

Police and representatives of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) were on the ground conducting investigations.