Illegal miner dies

A 24‑year‑old miner of Vubwi District in Eastern Province has died after he was trapped in a tunnel that collapsed on him. The accident, which occurred at Kamudothi Mine, involved seven other miners who escaped unhurt. Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson…

A 24‑year‑old miner of Vubwi District in Eastern Province has died after he was trapped in a tunnel that collapsed on him.

The accident, which occurred at Kamudothi Mine, involved seven other miners who escaped unhurt.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, saying it happened around 18:00 hours on Tuesday in Chithumba area.

Mr Mweemba identified the deceased as Daniel Nyirenda of Magazine Compound in Chipata District.

He said Nyirenda was in a seven‑metre‑deep tunnel with seven other illegal miners when a loose upper layer of stones collapsed at the deepest end of the tunnel.

“Whilst they were busy digging underground and loading the mineral ores in sacks to be lifted above ground, a loose upper layer of stone piles started collapsing at the deep end of the tunnel,” Mr Mweemba said.

He said the seven other miners managed to escape, but Nyirenda could not get out before the collapse.

“The seven others managed to get out of the tunnel in time, while male Daniel Nyirenda could not get out on time and the pile of soil collapsed on him,” he said.

Mr Mweemba said the other miners later dug Nyirenda out of the collapsed tunnel and rushed him to Mlawe Rural Health Post where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Police officers who visited the scene found Nyirenda’s body at Mlawe Rural Health Post.

A physical inspection revealed multiple cuts on the head, a broken right leg and a deep cut on the left leg.

Mr Mweemba said police do not suspect foul play in the death.

“The body was deposited into Chipata general hospital mortuary awaiting burial arrangements,” he said.