Tragedy struck the heart of Zimbabwe's mining community as a shaft in an informal gold mine, the Bay Horse Mine in Chegutu, collapsed, claiming the lives of nine miners. The devastating incident, which occurred just 120 kilometers west of Harare, has sent shockwaves through the nation.
Amidst the rescue efforts, Henrietta Rushwaya, the president of the Zimbabwe Miners' Federation (ZMF), revealed the grim reality: four bodies have been recovered, while five others remain trapped beneath the unstable rubble. The rescue operations are fraught with danger, as the mine continues to collapse, making it increasingly perilous for those attempting to retrieve the bodies.
Hussein Phiri, a brave mine engineer, emphasized the challenges faced by the rescue teams, stating, "It is difficult to retrieve the bodies because the mine is still collapsing. Each attempt puts our lives at risk."
Johannes Nyautete, a fortunate survivor, recounted the terrifying moment when the mine collapsed. "The mine collapsed as I entered with a colleague. We met other colleagues, numbering about 18 or 20, rushing out, and we all escaped together," he said, highlighting the narrow escape of some miners.
Mining minister, Soda Zhemu, personally supervised the rescue efforts, confirming that 21 miners had managed to survive the collapse. However, the fate of three other miners remains uncertain, adding to the anxiety and heartache of their families and colleagues.
As the rescue teams tirelessly worked to retrieve the bodies, hundreds of local residents anxiously waited, hoping for a miracle. The incident shed light on the prevalent issue of illegal mining in Zimbabwe, where miners often operate in hazardous conditions due to economic challenges.
Zhemu expressed his concerns, attributing the frequent accidents to "irresponsible mining where proper precautions are not being undertaken." The nation mourns the loss of these miners and calls for greater attention to mining safety to prevent such tragic events in the future.