By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Two men engaged in illegal mining activities at the Moolman Nchanga open pit mine in Chingola have tragically lost their lives due to suffocation.
The unfortunate incident occurred when a 5-liter container of petrol was inadvertently dislodged into the tunnel where they were working.
The victims have been identified as Richard Mumba, aged 25, and Muyunda Maketio, aged 25, both residents of Chiwempala.
According to Peacewell Mweemba, the Commanding Officer of the Copperbelt Province Police, the incident unfolded as the victims were engaged in their unauthorized mining activities within the tunnel. Around eight individuals were present in the tunnel when an individual outside accidentally knocked over the 5-liter petrol container while attempting to access the tunnel.
The container fell into the tunnel, causing the petrol to spill and saturate the air within, ultimately leading to the suffocation of Richard Mumba and Muyunda Maketio.
Fellow illegal miners who were present managed to recover the bodies of the victims from the tunnel. Law enforcement authorities promptly arrived at the scene and have determined that the incident was a result of an illegal mining accident.
The two individuals tragically lost their lives due to the inhalation of noxious fumes resulting from the accidental spill of petrol within the tunnel.
The deceased individuals’ remains have been transferred to the mortuary at Nchanga North General Hospital. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers associated with illegal mining activities and the importance of adhering to proper safety measures.
