Jaco KlamerAn illegal gold mine in Suriname (archive photo for illustration)
NOS Nieuws•gisteren, 22:28
An illegal mine shaft has collapsed in Brokopondo, about two hours south of Paramaribo. There have been deaths, Surinamese President Santokhi reported this evening in the National Assembly.
It is not clear how many fatalities there are. Surinamese media speak of 18 to 21 deaths, but indicate that these are unconfirmed numbers. People were looking for gold in the mine shaft when they were buried.
“The information is that in any case it (the shaft, ed.) has collapsed, the persons are trapped, and in all likelihood they are all victims of this serious accident,” Santokhi said. According to the president, the gold seekers were working in a “provisional tunnel with a considerable depth”.
The General Political Deliberations in the Surinamese parliament were suspended after the announcement. The government is considering declaring one or more days of national mourning.
‘Thorough investigation’
The government has sent the army, police and the National Disaster Management Coordination Center to the mine shaft site. Initially this is for a rescue operation, Santhoki said. The government will ask Brazil for help “if we as a country cannot solve our problem rescue operations“.
Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk also traveled to Brokopondo. According to Santhoki, he will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
“What we can do at this time is to take those measures that are necessary, but at the same time send compassion and sympathy to all relatives,” said the Surinamese president.
Dagblad Suriname writes that the army and police had driven illegal gold diggers from the location a month ago.
2023-11-20 21:28:53
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