Miner, 47, dies in pit collapse at Puruni Backdam

A 47-year-old miner died on Sunday after the mining pit he was working in collapsed at Puruni Backdam, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Dead is Stephen Mark Samuel of Karwap Mission, Pomeroon River, Region Two.

Police Headquarters said an investigation was launched into the incident which took place around 16:00 hrs.

Reports are that Samuel was employed with a Brazilian national on a six-inch land dredge as a jet man.

At the time of the incident, Samuel was among several others who were working in the pit.

According to a police report, whilst working, a section of the eastern wall broke and fell into the pit covering Samuel.

An alarm was raised and with the assistance of other workers, his lifeless body was removed from under the rubble.

The police were summoned and Samuel’s body was examined. There were no visible marks of violence.

The body was then escorted to the Puruni Health Centre where Samuel was pronounced dead.

Samuel’s remains will be transported to Georgetown for a post-mortem examination.