Miner,70, dies in Puruni pit collapse

Police are investigating the death of 70-year-old miner Emanuel Jeffrey, who perished in a mining pit collapse at Thomas Island, Puruni River, Region 7.

The incident occurred on January 28, 2025, at approximately 14:00 hrs, the police said yesterday in a release.

The release  stated that, Jeffrey, a resident of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, operated a four-inch land dredge at the Backdam, working alongside two employees. According to preliminary investigations, he and his coworkers were engaged in mining activities in a pit measuring 15 feet wide, 10 feet long, and 8 feet deep when tragedy struck. The eastern side of the pit collapsed, burying Jeffrey under a rush of soil.

His coworkers immediately attempted to excavate the site, but he remained trapped for approximately an hour. Once recovered, Jeffrey was transported to the Bartica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by Dr. Benjamin at 02:02 hrs on January 29, 2025.

The body is currently at the Bartica Hospital mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination. Investigations into the fatal incident are ongoing.