Three people perish in Kamonyi mining quarry

KAMONYI – Three miners were confirmed dead while three others were seriously injured after a landslide collapsed on them in a colta mining quarry on Tuesday. The incident occurred in Bugobo cell, Rukoma sector, Kamonyi district at about 7.00 am. Supt. Annociata Mukahigiro, the district police commander, said that the incident was caused by loosening of the area surrounding the mine following heavy rains and illegal rudimental mining techniques. “Such accidents are caused by some residents doing illegal mining, operating in hiding yet the grounds have been rendered loose due to the rainy seasons. The police will take serious measures to fight such activities,” Mukahigiro said. Sources say that during the mishap a total of eight miners were involved.Two managed to survive the accident, according to police. The injured, who were rescued by residents, were given first aid before being transferred to Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK). Ten people have so far lost their lives in the same mining area since 2,000, according to Etienne Muvunyi, a local official. Muvunyi said, “Most residents have been consistently participating in illegal mining in complete disregard of the recommended mining guidelines, despite the advice.” Ends