HARARE – Four artisanal miners have been confirmed dead after rescuers reached their position following an overnight mine shaft collapse in Zvimba, authorities said.
The four had been trapped underground since around midnight when a shaft collapsed at Rowdy Boys Mine. Rescue teams worked for hours before confirming that none of the miners had survived.
One of the miners was pulled out alive and rushed to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, but he died shortly afterwards from injuries sustained in the collapse. The bodies of the remaining three were recovered once rescuers finally broke through to the section where they had been trapped.
Mashonaland West minister of state for provincial affairs and devolution Marian Chombo, who visited the accident scene on Friday afternoon, confirmed the deaths.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
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.
