Eight bodies have been retrieved following a tragic mine collapse in Mwashinango Village, Chongwe District. The incident, which occurred around 10:00 hours,Sunday 25th August has left the nation in mourning as rescue efforts continue in the hopes of recovering additional victims.
The collapse occurred while workers were loading sand at a gravel mine, trapping an unknown number of people under the debris. Despite the challenging conditions, rescue teams have been working tirelessly throughout the day to recover those affected by the disaster. However, due to the hazardous state of the site, the operation was temporarily suspended at nightfall. Rescue operations are set to resume at first light Monday.
Zambia Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the retrieval of the bodies and provided updates on the ongoing rescue mission. Mr. Hamoonga emphasized that the Zambia Police Service, along with other emergency response teams, remains committed to completing the operation safely and efficiently.
The accident was first reported to Chongwe Police Station at 11:00 hours by concerned members of the public. According to Mr. Hamoonga, the tragedy involved a Volvo FMX tipper truck with registration number BAL 1239, which was completely buried after the mine collapsed. The truck had just completed loading sand when the disaster struck.
The driver of the truck, Frackson Sakala, aged 64, of Ng’ombe Compound in Lusaka, was partially trapped in the collapse. He was rescued by bystanders and rushed to Chongwe District Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. Mr. Sakala estimated that there were at least nine other loaders on-site at the time of the collapse, though their exact number and identities remain unconfirmed.
The Volvo truck involved in the incident belongs to Vernon Chilinga, aged 40, of Silverest area, Chongwe. Mr. Hamoonga noted that Chongwe Fire Brigade officers and a private excavator have been engaged to assist in the rescue efforts.
Authorities have pledged to keep the public informed as the situation develops. The nation remains hopeful for a successful conclusion to the rescue operation and grieves the loss of those who perished in this unfortunate accident.
Seems evil has engulfed our nation. Too many bad things happening.
What’s CDF for again? Those who dies just came back from CDF sponsored skill training. Skills in loading trucks with shovels?
10 am on Sunday they were supposed to be in church.
Just count how many people have died in mine accidents since Kabuswe took leadership of the ministry of mines. It will show you where the problem is.
Gravel Mine ??? Really
Failed police Force
Failed councils
Failed Min Of Mines
When a country is ruled via Propaganda….lies…deceit and corruption….fooling gullible Zambians and yet things are getting worse….the youths risking their lives for K20…..and someone will stand in front of a podium claiming that things are ok…..
Condolences to the affected people. However it seems functional literacy is still low amongst some people. Why was it difficult to judge that the gravel would collapse??
Let government put safety measures on all
Mines be it small or big.Regular checks on
All mines to see safety checks are adhered
To.Any One who fails must have their licence
Revoked.
These are the consequences of poor leadership…lies and deceit…the effects of loadsheding and luck of job creation…..the youths risking their precious souls for K20….POLITICIANS ARE BUSY STEALING AND WASTING TAX PAYERS MONEY EVERY DAY
Let government put safety measures on all
Mines be it small or big.Regular checks on
All mines to see safety checks are adhered
To.Any One who fails must have their licence
Revoked.
Who’s going to stop these unsafe practices?
People here in Lufwanyama have been sneaking in dumpsites to scavenge for emeralds. This is not allowed by mining regulations, but someone who cannot be challenged has ordered the owners of the mines not to stop those illegal entries to the dumps.
If street vending can be contained, even illegal mining can. After all you need a valid mining license before you can do any small or big mining explorations.
Having a valid mining licence cannot prevent an accident just like a driving licence cannot not prevent you from causing a traffic accident. There’s more required to maintain safe mining.
The operation should now change from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.