Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE four artisanal miners who were trapped underground following a shaft collapse at Rowdy Boys Mine in Zvimba around midnight have all been confirmed dead hours after a rescue mission was launched.
Rescuers managed to retrieve one of the miners alive from the collapsed shaft, but he succumbed to injuries he sustained during the collapse shortly after being rushed to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital.
The bodies of the remaining three miners were later recovered from the mine after rescue teams managed to reach the section where they had been trapped.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo, who visited the accident scene this afternoon, said:
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“We were hopeful that the rescue operation would save the lives of the four miners trapped underground, but sadly, all four have since been confirmed dead despite the tireless efforts of the rescue teams.
“One of the miners was retrieved alive and rushed to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, but he later succumbed to his injuries.
“The other three were found dead when rescuers reached the section where they had been trapped.”
Minister Chombo conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families and urged artisanal miners to prioritise safety and adhere to proper mining practices to prevent similar tragedies.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shaft collapse and give a detailed report.
