At least 15 workers have lost their lives, and 25 others were injured following the collapse of an unlicensed gold mine in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province, according to a local disaster mitigation agency. The tragic incident occurred in Nagari Sungai Abu, located in the Solok regency, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Irwan Efendi, the Chief of Solok Disaster Mitigation Agency, confirmed the casualty figures, stating that three individuals sustained injuries, while 25 others remain unaccounted for. Rescue efforts are underway, with additional personnel and heavy equipment being deployed to assist in evacuating victims.
Unlicensed mining operations are widespread across Indonesia, a country known for frequent mining-related accidents. In a similar incident in July, more than 20 people were killed, and over 10 were reported missing after a landslide at an unlicensed gold mine in the eastern province of Gorontalo.
Local authorities are continuing search and rescue efforts for the missing workers, as they manage the evacuation of the deceased from the site of the collapse.
Key Points:
- Fatalities and Injuries: At least 15 workers were killed, and 25 others injured following a collapse at an unlicensed gold mine in West Sumatra, Indonesia.
- Location of Incident: The collapse occurred in Nagari Sungai Abu, Solok regency.
- Rescue Operations: Authorities have deployed additional rescuers and heavy equipment to evacuate victims. 25 miners remain missing.
- Unlicensed Mines: The mine was operating without a license, a common practice across Indonesia, leading to frequent accidents.
- Previous Incident: In July, more than 20 people died in a similar incident at an unlicensed mine in Gorontalo province.
- Search and Rescue Efforts: The local disaster mitigation agency continues search operations for missing workers and is managing the evacuation of deceased victims.
