Two galamsey operators suffocate to death in mine
Two illegal gold miners (galamsey operators) died in a 20-feet deep pit at Jacobu in the Amansie Central District in the Ashanti Region after suffocating from fumes which emanated from an electric generator.
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The illegal miners allegedly sent the generator inside the pit to facilitate their activities but that was to cause their death.
They have been identified only as Simon and Appiah, who moved from Konongo to Jacobu a few months ago to engage in illegal mining, popularly referred to as galamsey.
A resident of Jacobu, who confirmed the incident to Graphic Online, said it was the practice of illegal miners to send electric generators down the pits to facilitate their work.
Last Saturday, the two persons lowered a generator into the pit for the day’s activities.
While working with the generator, the fumes coming from it became unbearable for the illegal miners.
They attempted coming out of the pit but difficulty in breathing impeded their movement.
The source said the two men became helpless and died inside the pit.
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People who heard the sound of the generator inside the pit became suspicious and later found the two dead inside it.
A report was made to the police who sent the bodies to the morgue at Bekwai.
When contacted, a police source confirmed the incident but refused to give details.
It, however, stated that their remains had been deposited at the morgue pending further investigations and coroner’s action.
Story by Kwame Asare Boadu