5 die, Several Injured in Mumbwa Mining Accident
Written by Mafken FM Newsroom on 10 December 2024
By Staff Reporter
Five people have been confirmed dead by police after a mining accident occurred yesterday, at the Ivungu Copper Mine in Mumbwa District which also left several injured.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga says preliminary investigations revealed that nine individuals had entered the pit at Ivungu Copper Mine at approximately 07:00 hours and at about 09:30 hours, the earth gave way, trapping the illegal miners.
The deceased have been identified as Evance Banda, aged 30, Getrude Mazila, aged 17, Gilbert Mweemba, aged 27, Jonathan Kaumba, aged 35 and Shadreck Chonga, aged 17.
Mr. Hamoonga says two individuals escaped unhurt, one is yet to be identified while the other is Sieza Chuuka, aged 24.
The injured survivors were rushed to Nangoma Mission Hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment and their condition has been reported as stable.
Meanwhile, police have strongly urged Mumbwa residents to stop engaging in illegal mining activities, which pose severe safety risks and often result in such calamities.
