Two persons have been confirmed dead and one other is in critical condition following the collapse of an illegal mining (galamsey) pit at Assin Dansame in the Assin North District of the Central Region.
The incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, when eight miners were reportedly working inside a newly dug pit.
According to accounts, the walls of the pit suddenly gave way, trapping three of the workers under debris and loose soil.
Residents and fellow miners rushed to the scene in an attempt to rescue the trapped victims, but the operation was delayed due to the depth of the pit and unstable ground conditions.
After several minutes of frantic effort, all three victims were retrieved.
However, two were pronounced dead shortly after, while the third survivor was rushed to a nearby health facility in critical condition and is currently receiving emergency treatment.
The deceased have been identified as a 22-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man. Their bodies have been deposited at the New Edubiase Government Hospital morgue.
Police have begun investigations into the incident, while officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) are expected to visit the site to assess the situation and support affected families.
The Assin North District NADMO Director, Edward Fireson, confirmed the incident and said measures are being intensified to curb illegal mining activities in the area.