Tragic Pit Collapse at Manso Keniago Claims Eight Lives in Ashanti Region

Eight illegal miners have been confirmed dead following the collapse of a mining pit at Manso Keniago in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region. The disaster occurred late Thursday night, around 10:00 p.m., as the miners were engaged in search of gold. Initial reports indicated a rescue operation was underway for a trapped individual, but local authorities have since confirmed that all eight miners who were trapped underground have perished.

According to reports from the scene, there were approximately 12 miners working in the pit at the time of the incident. While four individuals managed to escape the falling earth and debris, the remaining eight were pinned beneath the rubble. The recovery operation was a collaborative effort involving the local police, ambulance services, disaster management teams, and community volunteers who worked throughout the night and into the following morning to retrieve the bodies.

Of the eight deceased, five have been identified as residents of the Manso Keniago community, while the remaining three hailed from surrounding areas. The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Amansie South, Benjamin Marfo, led the official response at the site, coordinating with emergency services. The bodies of the victims have since been transported to the morgue for preservation and further processing as families begin the difficult task of identification.

Investigations have been launched by local authorities to determine the specific cause of the collapse and to assess the safety conditions of the site. This incident marks another grim chapter in the ongoing struggle with illegal mining activities in the region, highlighting the high risks faced by those operating in unregulated and often unstable pits. As the community mourns the loss of life, officials are expected to intensify calls for stricter enforcement of mining regulations to prevent future tragedies.