BayHorse Mine accident update: 13 escaped, 8 rescued, 4 bodies retrieved, 14 feared dead
Twenty-one people survived the BayHorse Mine collapse in Chegutu where over 30 people were trapped due to a fall of ground at the 150m deep mine shaft, Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Mashonaland West Chairperson Timothy Chizuzu told Mining Zimbabwe.
Currently, 13 people have escaped from the disaster with 8 others rescued while 4 were retrieved dead with the remaining 14 people feared dead.
According to Chizuzu, the number of people who are trapped at BayHorse Mine is increasing as information comes due to some who were illegally mining underground through a Syndicate run by Mine security.
Chizuzu who is also working with the rescue team to retrieve the bodies of the miners said four people were retrieved dead while others who are still trapped are believed to be dead.
“The current update is that from the people who are supposed to be in the shaft, the numbers are fluctuating. At first, they were saying it was 32 now they are saying 39. Currently, 13 escaped alive, 8 were rescued 4 were retrieved dead. The team is working on retrieving other bodies that are blocked by a stone boulder which is 4m×2m. Rescuers are looking at ways to remove that boulder. They are planning on how best they can pull out the stone. There is also an issue of water levels that are rising and currently, we are working on pumping out the water to try to move the stone border. From the information we got, the size of the collapse was 60m by 50m underground so it was a huge collapse. The exact number of people trapped is currently not known because they were other miners who were going underground to mine illegally through a Syndicate run by the mine security,” Chizuzu said.
Meanwhile, Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) General Manager Mr Peter Magaramombe has expressed condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families affected by the tragic mine accident.
In a statement, Magaramombe also conveyed sincere hopes for a swift recovery to those who have sustained injuries.
“On behalf of Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) and on my own behalf, I would like to express our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to all bereaved families affected by the recent mine accident at Beyhorse Mine in Chegutu. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased, and we extend our sincere wishes for a speedy recovery to those who have been injured.
“This Mine accident has undoubtedly caused immense pain and sorrow within the Zimbabwe mining community. As Fidelity, we stand in solidarity with you.
“We also want to acknowledge the spirited efforts of the rescue teams who are tirelessly working to rescue those who are still stuck underground,” Magaramombe said.