Gov’t launches probe into death of child in mining pit

Dec 30, 2018 News

Days after an 11-year-old school dropout was buried alive while illegally searching for gold in an 80-foot deep mining pit at Big Creek, North West District; the Ministry of Natural Resources has launched an investigation into his death.
Tyrone Tyrel DeSouza was buried alive some time around 21:00 hrs on Thursday after he and friends went to the mining camp to search for gold.

A mining pit

According to reports, Terrence Yarde, the owner of the mining pit ceased work on December 27, last, and left the area with his crew.
It was reported that after they left, De Souza and nine of his friends entered the mining pit and began scouring for gold.
Their digging reportedly weakened a section of the structure, which collapsed, pinning De Souza.
The boy’s friends eventually managed to pull him out. He was taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Ministry, in a statement yesterday, said the incident is a great cause of concern for Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and the Ministry.
“Raiding and illegal mining remain significant problems in the sector and this death only reinforces the resulting dangers of these,” the Ministry said.
“It is high time persons understand these dangers and desist from such acts, the statement noted.
“Mines safety remains avid to the interest of the Ministry and as such we continue to look into mining deaths that result from these practices.”
The matter is currently being investigated by the police.
The Minister and the Ministry extend sincerest condolences to the family of the child, a statement said.
The Ministry of Natural Resources had recorded 14 mining deaths up to October this year.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News