Trapped Miners Await Rescue as Bay Horse Mine Collapses in Chikari, Chegutu
In a startling twist of events, the Bay Horse Mine in Chikari, Chegutu, experienced a catastrophic collapse on Friday, leaving an unspecified number of miners trapped underground. Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Polite Kambamura, confirmed the incident, initially stating that 34 miners were trapped in the aftermath of the mine collapse. However, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) contradicted this account, issuing a statement asserting that 42 individuals were trapped when a mine shaft gave way on Friday morning.
According to Kambamura, a government team was swiftly dispatched to the scene, determining that the mine collapse occurred around 10 a.m., resulting in 34 miners being trapped beneath the surface. Miraculously, 13 managed to escape, while 21 others remain unaccounted for deep underground. Tragically, there are concerns that these 21 individuals may have lost their lives. As of the latest update, six bodies have been recovered, while rescuers continue their valiant efforts to save the remaining 15 miners.
ZMF Official Statement Sheds Light on Bay Horse Chegutu Mine Collapse
In their official statement released on Friday, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) confirmed the incident, revealing that a minimum of 42 miners were initially trapped underground, with five successfully rescued. To ascertain the situation on the ground, the ZMF has appointed its secretary and the Chairman of the Chegutu Miners Association.
Furthermore, the federation has urged the public to refrain from disseminating unofficial information on social media platforms and instead await official updates from law enforcement authorities such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development, and other relevant government agencies. The complete statement issued by the ZMF reads as follows:
“We regret to inform the public that there has been a collapse of a mine shaft at one of our esteemed ZMF members’ mine. It is believed that approximately 42 individuals are currently trapped underground, with five fortunate enough to have been rescued thus far. Our ZMF Secretary General and Chegutu Miners Association Chairman have been directed to investigate and confirm the precise details of the situation on the ground. We will keep you informed about the ongoing rescue operations conducted by the relevant teams. We kindly request your patience and emphasize the importance of relying solely on official communications from the ZRP, Ministry of Mines, and other government entities.“