Two persons have been confirmed dead, while another is in critical condition following the collapse of an illegal mining (galamsey) pit at Dansame in the Assin North District of the Central Region.
The incident occurred in the afternoon of Thursday, April 23, while eight miners were working inside a newly dug pit.
Reports indicate that the walls of the pit suddenly caved in, trapping three of the miners beneath heaps of loose soil and debris.
Residents and fellow miners mounted a frantic rescue effort but faced difficulties due to the unstable terrain and the depth of the collapse.
After several minutes, the three victims were eventually retrieved from the rubble.
The sole survivor was rushed to a nearby health facility, where medical personnel described his condition as extremely critical.
He is currently receiving emergency treatment for multiple injuries sustained in the incident.
The bodies of the deceased, a 22-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man, have been deposited at the New Edubiase Government Hospital morgue for preservation.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident, while officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) are expected to visit the scene to assess possible safety breaches.
Meanwhile, the Assin North District Director of NADMO, Edward Fireson, has confirmed the incident and indicated that steps are being taken to intensify the fight against illegal mining in the area.
By Akwasi Addo/Citinewsroom
