Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
FOUR artisanal miners remain trapped underground after a mine shaft collapsed at Rowdy Boys Mine in Zvimba around midnight on Thursday, with rescue teams racing against time to reach them.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo confirmed the incident on Friday morning, saying eight miners were underground when the shaft gave way.
Four of the miners escaped unhurt while the remaining four are still trapped.
“I have just received a report from the Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit (MFFU) on an accident involving a shaft collapse at Rowdy Boys Mine (paJudah),” said Minister Chombo.
“Eight people were trapped around midnight. Four escaped, while four are still trapped. Rescue efforts are currently underway to retrieve the trapped miners.”
The cause of the collapse had not yet been established by the time of publishing. The incident comes just hours after another tragedy struck Mashonaland West Province after seven people were killed in a road accident near Chinhoyi Provincial Heroes Acre.
The victims died on the spot when a Toyota Probox carrying 10 passengers collided with a commuter omnibus travelling to Harare from Magunje.
Minister Chombo extended her condolences to the bereaved families saying the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has been activated to assist those affected.
The accident claimed the lives of a male police officer, two boys aged nine years and seven months, and four adult females.
The crash also left 10 people injured who are currently receiving treatment at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital.
Minister Chombo urged motorists to exercise caution on the country’s roads, warning against speeding and calling on drivers to observe traffic regulations to help reduce fatal accidents.
