A devastating incident has rocked the mining community of Domi Keniago, located in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, following the collapse of an illegal mining pit on Thursday evening. The tragic event has resulted in the confirmed deaths of seven miners, while intensive search and rescue operations continue for one individual who remains trapped underground.
The incident reportedly occurred between 7:00 p.m. and 9:40 p.m. while the group was actively engaged in gold mining activities inside the pit. According to eyewitness accounts from survivors, twelve men were working in the pit at the time of the collapse. Four of the miners successfully managed to escape the disaster without sustaining injuries, leaving eight of their colleagues trapped beneath the heavy debris. Following a distress call, a rescue and recovery operation was swiftly launched by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), alongside the Ghana National Ambulance Service, the Amansie South District Police Command, and dedicated community volunteers.
To expedite the crucial rescue efforts, the NADMO operations team coordinated the deployment of four excavators to clear the site. Rescue workers labored tirelessly through the night, eventually recovering the remains of seven of the trapped miners, the first of whom was identified by the nickname “Chinchilla” late Thursday night. Five of the deceased are reportedly residents of the Manso Keniago community, while two hail from other towns. The miners believed to have been trapped were identified as Kwaku Dada, Akwasi Awudu, Kwaku Badu, Chinchilla, Kwame, Awelo, Kofi Asaa, and Kojo Buabeng.
The recovered bodies are expected to be transferred to the St. Martin’s Catholic Hospital mortuary for preservation and further examination. Meanwhile, local authorities have launched a full investigation to establish the exact circumstances that led to the fatal collapse. As the search continues for the final missing miner, officials have urged residents to exercise extreme caution near the site to prevent any further casualties. This devastating loss has once again highlighted the severe dangers and deadly risks associated with unregulated, illegal mining operations across the region.