Over 9 feared dead in Chongwe gravel mine collapse

More than nine people are feared dead after being trapped in a gravel mine collapse in Mwashinango Village, Nkomesha Chiefdom, Chongwe District.

Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, confirmed that police received a report from concerned members of the public about the accident.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, Hamoonga said a tipper truck, a Volvo FMX with registration number BAL 1239, was buried after the mine collapsed, trapping an unknown number of male loaders who are feared dead.

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“The gravel mine in question is located approximately seven kilometers off the Great East Road in Mwashinango Village,” Hamoonga explained.

The truck, driven by Frackson Sakala, 64, of Ng’ombe Compound, Lusaka, had just completed loading gravel when the mine collapsed, burying both the truck and the loaders.

The exact number of loaders remains unknown, but Sakala estimated there were at least nine individuals.

Sakala was partially trapped in the collapse but was rescued by members of the public and rushed to Chongwe District Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

The Volvo truck belongs to Vernon Chilinga, 40, of Silverest area, Chongwe. Chongwe Fire Brigade officers have been activated, and a private excavator has been engaged to assist in the rescue efforts, which are ongoing.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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