3 Mopani miners suffocate to death

A fatal mine accident which occurred at Mopani Copper Mines’ Mindolo North Shaft at 1380 Meter Level around 13:30 hours of Thursday, February 7 has claimed the lives of three male miners.

Tom Kamanga and Bartholomew Mwamba, both of Wusakile Township and Ray Mungo from New Ndeke in Kitwe, died of suffocation due to the smoke from the Loader which caught fire at the said level after refueling.

All the three bodies are in Wusakile Mine Hospital Mortuary after being certified dead by government doctors at Kitwe Central Hospital.

And one man identified as Francis Mumba of Chimwemwe Township, survived the inferno after he escaped through the flame and sustained facial burns, he has since been admitted to Wusakile Mine Hospital.

Mopani Copper Mines Public Relations Manager Nebert Mulenga says Mopani Copper Mines is working closely with the mine safety department and other relevant authorities to inform the next of kin of the deceased employees and are investigating the tragic accident.

He says the company management expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the three employees and said the company will be providing the necessary support during this difficult time.

All operations at Mindolo North have been suspended until further notice.