Miner dies in mining pit collapse

A 27-year-old miner lost his life last Saturday after the mining pit he was working in at Frenchman Backdam, Region Ten collapsed.

Dead is Leon Lyken of Zeelugt New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo.

The incident occurred around 09:15 hrs at Mining District No. 6, Frenchman Backdam, Region Ten.

Lyken and three other persons were working in the mining pit. One of the survivors suffered a broken leg and other injuries about his body.

In a press statement, the Ministry of Labour said the Occupational Safety and Health Department has launched an investigation into the incident.

The men were employed by Yugindra Persaud.

The statement said Lyken was engaged in jetting one of the walls of the mining pit for shelving when a 20-foot wall on the opposite side of the pit collapsed.

An excavator was subsequently used to retrieve Lyken. He was transported to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to the statement, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton continues to be concerned about the occurrence of workplace accidents, particularly those which result in the death of workers.