20 Nov 2023 at 23:49
Several illegal gold seekers were killed in Suriname on Monday when a mine shaft collapsed. The gold seekers were buried in a tunnel. The disaster happened in the habitat of the Matawai people, in the northern province of Brokopondo.
President Chan Santokhi reported the incident during a meeting of the National Assembly (DNA), the Surinamese parliament. He described the situation as serious.
According to Santokhi, at least ten people were killed. The death toll could rise because there are still people under the rubble.
The army, police and national disaster response have been called in. A team of rescue workers is on its way from the capital Paramaribo to the scene of the disaster. Santokhi said that neighboring Brazil may be asked for help.
The Santokhi government extends its condolences to all the relatives. There will be a moment of national mourning, yet to be determined. An investigation is being launched into the cause of the disaster.
The incident took place in Little Saramacca, known as ‘Camp 21 pasi’. Gold is often searched for illegally in the area.
A permit is required for gold mining in Suriname, but companies without a permit are often tolerated. Illegal gold mining is often dangerous because safety regulations are not properly followed.
Image: AFP
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2023-11-20 22:49:37
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