Tragedy Strikes Takoso as Gold Mining Pit Collapses, Claims 7 Lives
Takoso, a community near Akoasi in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region, was engulfed in sorrow and grief on Monday when an illegal gold mining pit collapsed, trapping 10 miners inside.
The unfortunate incident occurred when heavy rainfall triggered the collapse of the pit, burying the miners underneath tons of soil and debris. Seven of the miners tragically lost their lives instantly, while three others miraculously survived and were rescued from the treacherous site.
According to sources within the community, the intense downpour on Monday played a significant role in causing the disaster.
The Chief Executive for the Birim North District, Raymond Damptey, received a distress call around 5 p.m. alerting him to the incident. Acting swiftly, he mobilized a task force consisting of the police and staff from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and rushed to the scene to offer assistance.
Upon arriving at the site, Mr. Damptey learned that the accident had occurred earlier that day, around 9 a.m.
The collaborative efforts of the task force, along with local villagers, led to the recovery of seven lifeless bodies from the wreckage. Three fortunate survivors were also pulled out from the rubble, although the whereabouts of two of them remains unknown.
Providing further details, the District Chief Executive stated that one of the rescued miners is currently receiving medical treatment at the New Abirem Government Hospital. The bodies of the deceased have been transferred to the Nkawkaw Holy Family Hospital, where they will undergo autopsy and preservation.
