RULINDO - Two people perished last Friday after being trapped in an abandoned 40m tin mine, in Bugaragara Cell, Shyorongi Sector in Rulindo District, local authorities said.

Their bodies were discovered by residents two days later.

The dead were identified as Aimable Nshimiyimana, 15, and Claude Munyentwari 17.

The deceased are all residents of Kabaraza village, where the 37-year old uncovered tin mines are located.

Rulindo District Mayor, Justus Kangwagye, told The New Times, yesterday, that the children were playing when they fell into the hole.

"The news about the tragedy broke on Sunday, after one of the village youth, Eve Rusakize, said he had seen them playing around the mine last Friday,” said
Kangwagye.

Shyorongi Sector Executive Secretary, Ferdinand Musabyimana, said when residents went to the mine; they found the deceased’s shoes on top of the mine.

"Upon going into the mine, residents found the two youth had been covered by rubble and ere already dead,” said Musabyimana.

Musabyimana said area residents managed to retrieve the bodies then filled the gaping holewith soil and logs. The mine was last in service in 1973.

"The bodies were transported to Kibagabaga Hospital, in Kigali for post-mortem pending burial arrangements,” he added.

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