Dredge owner, 35, died in mining pit collapse

A 35-year-old dredge owner, Donston Fraser known as “Timothy Fraser”and “Mineral Boss,” died on Wednesday after a mining pit collapsed on him.

The Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health Department has commenced an investigation into the incident.

The accident occurred at Four Miles, Arakaka, North West District, Region One.

Fraser of 5 Miles Arakaka, and Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara, along with two of his employees, were engaged in jetting the walls of the mining pit when the walls began to crack.

Fraser observed this and instructed his employees to reduce the pressure of the water pump, and whilst doing so, the walls of the pit collapsed, trapping Fraser.

Occupational Safety and Health Officer with responsibility for Region One, Chavez Daniels is leading the preliminary investigation to determine the causes of the accident and make recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, has repeatedly stressed the importance of ensuring safe and healthy conditions exist in workplaces and on worksites to facilitate the safe return of workers to their families at the end of the day.

He further extends condolences to the families, friends, and co-workers of the deceased.