By Chinoyi Chipulu
Eight people have died after being buried alive while loading gravel in a truck in Mwashinango village of Chongwe District.
The incident happened yesterday around 10:00 hours when the mine collapsed, burying the truck and the loaders.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga stated that a tipper truck driven by Frackson Sakala 64, of Ng’ombe Compound, Lusaka, arrived at the site to load gravel and shortly after completing the loading process, the mine collapsed.
“The Zambia Police Service regrets to inform the public that eight bodies have been retrieved following the tragic accident that occurred at the gravel mine in Chongwe earlier today. The accident, which involved a collapse at the mine site, resulted in the unfortunate loss of lives,” he stated.
Hamoonga stated that the rescue teams had been working tirelessly to recover those affected by this incident, however, due to the challenging conditions at the site, the rescue operation had been temporarily suspended for the day.
“Operations will resume at first light today, to ensure the safety of all personnel involved in the ongoing efforts,” he stated.
Hamoonga stated that police in collaboration with other emergency response teams, remained committed to bringing this operation to a close as safely and efficiently as possible.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops,” he said.
Earlier before the eight bodies were retrieved, the collapse of the mine trapped an unknown number of male loaders who were feared dead.
He stated that the incident happened yesterday around 10:00 hours when a tipper truck was buried after the mine collapsed, trapping an unknown number of male loaders who were feared dead.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the development in a statement that the number of loaders and their identities were unknown but the driver had estimated that there were not fewer than nine individuals.
He stated that Chongwe Fire Brigade officers had rushed to the scene and a private excavator had been engaged to assist in the rescue efforts.
“Today, at approximately 11:00 hours, Chongwe Police Station Manager received a report from concerned members of the public regarding an accident at a gravel mine. The incident occurred around 10:00 hours in Mwashinango Village of Nkomesha Chiefdom of Chongwe District. A tipper truck, a Volvo FMX with registration number BAL 1239, was buried after the mine collapsed, trapping an unknown number of male loaders who are feared dead,” he stated.
Hamoonga stated that the gravel mine in question was located approximately seven kilometers off the Great East Road in Mwashinango Village.
“Today at about 10:00 hours, the tipper truck driven by Frackson Sakala, aged 64, of Ng’ombe Compound, Lusaka, arrived at the site to load gravel. Shortly after completing the loading process, the mine collapsed, burying the truck and the loaders,” he stated.
Hamoonga stated that the driver was partially trapped in the collapse but was rescued by members of the public and rushed to Chongwe District Hospital, where he was currently receiving treatment.
“The Volvo truck involved in the incident belongs to Vernon Chilinga, aged 40, of Silverest area, Chongwe,” he stated.
Hamoonga stated that the operation was ongoing, with the aim of exhuming the trapped victims.
