POLICE are investigating a fatal mining accident that claimed the life of a 70-year-old miner, Emanuel Jeffrey, at Thomas Island, Puruni River, Region Seven. The incident occurred on Tuesday at approximately 14:00 hrs while Jeffrey was engaged in mining activities.
According to reports, Jeffrey, a resident of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, operated a four-inch land dredge at the Backdam, working alongside two employees. Preliminary investigations indicate that the trio was mining in a pit measuring 15 feet wide, 10 feet long, and eight feet deep when tragedy struck.
The eastern side of the pit suddenly collapsed, causing a rush of soil that completely buried Jeffrey for about an hour.

His coworkers managed to excavate the site and retrieve his body before transporting him to the Bartica Hospital. However, despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at 02:02 hrs on January 29, 2025, by Dr. Benjamin.
Jeffrey’s body is currently at the Bartica Hospital mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination. Investigations into the incident are ongoing as authorities seek to determine the exact cause of the collapse and whether safety protocols were adhered to at the mining site.