Mine Worker Dies During Blasting Exercise

A mine worker at Vubachikwe Mine, Gwanda, reportedly died during a blasting exercise on Monday at around 11 AM.

The tragedy was confirmed by Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele who said investigations were already underway. He said:

I can confirm that we recorded a sudden death incident which occurred at Vumbachikwe Mine. A mine worker identified as Moses Ndlovu (39) died in a mine accident which occurred during a blasting exercise. His body was taken to the Gwanda Provincial Hospital Mortuary. Investigations are still underway to ascertain what happened during the mine accident.

A source privy to the development told The Chronicle that Ndlovu was the leader of a crew and was alone when he initiated a ‘secondary blast.’

The source said that when the crew was to initiate the blast, he dismissed the members of the crew and he remained behind underground to initiate the blast alone.

The source also suspects that Ndlovu was hit by flying rock and fell about 40 metres.

More: The Chronicle