A rescue operation at a mining concession in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality ended with both relief and concern on Friday, May 15, after 10 miners were rescued alive from a collapsed underground pit.
The incident happened at a mining site owned by Northern Ashanti Mines Limited in Konongo.
Reports indicate that all 10 miners were successfully rescued after several hours of intense efforts by emergency responders and fellow miners.
The MCE, speaking in an interview, said that “I was told on Wednesday that some miners have been trapped under a pit and this mining pit has a complete shaft which is in the concession of the Northern Ashanti Mines. We started the rescue operation immediately. Thank God we had the support from the Obuasi team. By evening, around 7 or 8, we have been able to rescue all 10 people who were trapped, and they are very strong.”
“But now they are in the emergency intensive care unit. We are trying to give them some medical attention. So we thank God nothing bad happened.”
Despite the successful rescue, one of the victims remains in critical condition and is receiving treatment at the Konongo-Odumasi Government Hospital after suffering life-threatening injuries.
The exact cause of the collapse has not yet been confirmed, but investigations are expected to begin immediately.
During the rescue operation, residents and workers gathered at the scene as concerns grew over the safety of those trapped underground.
