NORTHERN PROVINCE

BURERA — One person died and three others were admitted to Ruhengeri Hospital after a mine collapsed over them  in Nyamabuye -Burera district.

The accident reportedly occurred last week inside Wolfram mines. The depth of the cave in which they were trapped was not easily established.

The dead, identified as Théogène Murekeraho, died shortly after arriving at the hospital, while others who are reported to be still hospitalised sustained physical injuries.

They were identified as J Bosco Mbanzabugabo, Theogen Mugiraneza, and another whose names were not established.

According to the district mayor, Aime Bosenibamwe, Safari Company, owned by one Celestin Safari, was contracted to carry out official mining of Wolfram in the mineral reserved area of Kagogo sector.

He said residents in the area have previously been cautioned about the danger of illegal mining, where overlaying sharp rocks pose a serious danger to miners who go deep underground.

This is the second such incident in recent times, according authorities. Two people died from the same mines last year after concerted efforts to rescue them failed. But their bodies were retrieved and reburied.

Many residents including children and women, majority of whom lack life assurance, in Nyamabuye cell, engage in the risky business of illegal mining of wolfram and caster-lit minerals, for sale on the black market.

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