Miner dies after pit collapse at Chi Chi Backdam

Police are investigating a fatal mining incident which claimed the life of 25-year-old miner Ryan Roberts at Chi Chi Backdam, Upper Mazaruni River, on Tuesday afternoon.

Roberts, of Kwaimatta Village, North Rupununi, Region Nine, was reportedly working in a mining pit with several other workers at around 14:45hrs when a water hose burst.

According to preliminary investigations, while efforts were being made to secure the area, a section of the land suddenly gave way and collapsed into the pit.

The other workers managed to escape; however, Roberts became trapped beneath the fallen soil. He was later dug out by fellow workers but was found unresponsive. The body was subsequently taken to the Chinowing Health Centre, where a medex on duty examined him and pronounced him dead on arrival.

Police said Roberts’ body is currently at the Chi Chi Airstrip awaiting transportation to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation mortuary.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.