Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. A dark cloud has fallen over Kono District as reports confirm that over 100 people have lost their lives following the collapse of an abandoned mining pit in Kumaro, Nimikoro Chiefdom of Kono District.
According to reports, dozens of local miners many of them are young men were working deep underground when the massive pit suddenly caved in, trapping everyone inside. Rescue efforts by local residents began almost immediately, but the scale of the disaster and the depth of the pit made recovery efforts extremely difficult.
So far, local sources and community leaders have confirmed over 100 fatalities, with fears that the number could rise as more bodies are recovered. The scene remains chaotic, with families wailing and communities in shock as they search for missing loved ones.
District authorities, representatives of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), and local security forces have since arrived at the site to coordinate emergency response operations. However, poor road access and limited rescue equipment continue to hamper efforts.
The tragic event has once again raised urgent questions about the safety standards, regulation, and environmental impact of foreign and local mining operations in Sierra Leone particularly in the resource-rich Kono District
. Residents accuse mining companies of neglecting safety protocols and failing to protect the lives of Sierra Leoneans who depend on artisanal mining for survival.
Government officials are expected to visit the site to assess the situation and offer support to the bereaved families. The disaster has also sparked a wave of mourning across the country, with calls for stricter enforcement of mining safety laws and better protection for artisanal miners.
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