By ALICE NACHILEMBE
An employee at Rudra Copper Mine processing plant in Chingola District on the Copperbelt has died in a mine accident, while another one was serious injured after their were trapped by a land slide.
The accident occurred on January 19, 2023 at 12:00 hours.
Rudra Mine Production Manager Sunketa Naresh Reddy 37, of plot no 127 Libonji area Chingola, reported to Chingola Central Police Station on January 19, 2023 at 17:03hrs that two employees of Rudra copper mine company limited, got trapped by the land slide and one died they in.
Copperbelt Police Commanding Office Peacewell Mweemba has identified the victims as Christian Silavwe 27, of new Kasompe area, and Mulenga Nsama 24, of Mimbula Kasompe.
Mr Mweemba said Silavwe was completely buried and died on the spot while Nsama was half way buried while standing.
He said brief facts are that on January 18, 2023 at 11:55 hours the two victims were assigned to work at the open surge bin pit which is 2.5 meters down from the ground level.
“At that time other workers went up to have lunch leaving Silavwe and Mulenga Nsama working. Minutes later there was a landslide which fell on both of them causing Silavwe to fall facing down and was buried completely, while Nsama was half way buried in a standing position,” he said.
Mr Mweemba said the two were then retrieved and rushed to the hospital where Silavwe was pronounced dead upon arrival and his body has since been deposited to Nchanga South Hospital mortuary awaiting post mortem.
He said Nsama is admitted to the hospital, he sustained a fractured right leg, but in a stable condition.
The police visited the scene of the mine accident and have since investigations instituted into the matter.
