Two miners killed after pit caves

Two miners – Troy Scott, 44, and Seon Martin, 32 – were tragically killed after the mining pit they were working in collapsed at Kumung Kumung Backdam, Puruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni Mazaruni).

Police Headquarters in a statement said the incident occurred at about 15:30hrs on Friday.

Scott who is from Linden, Region Ten, and Martin from Lethem, Region Nine were operating in the 25 feet mining pit when it suddenly caved in.

Martin was employed as the General Manager for the mining operations owned by 42-year-old Rhyburn Elcock.

Police said several other workers, who were also in the pit when it collapsed, escaped.

“They then joined and dug Seon and Troy from beneath the overburden by which time they had succumbed,” the police reported.

The bodies were transported to the Bartica Public Hospital on Saturday.

Police said multiple abrasions were seen on both bodies. The bodies were taken to the Memorial Funeral Parlor and autopsies are expected to be carried out.