Miner in pit collapse died of suffocation
A post-mortem examination conducted on Errol Ramitt, a pork- knocker who died in a mining pit accident on Sunday at Arena Backdam, revealed his cause of death as suffocation and blunt trauma to the head.
Ramitt, also known as Tushi, age 32 of Turn Basin, Port Kaituma, North West District was said to be in the mining pit when the accident occurred.
Police inquiries revealed that Ramitt was at the time operating the “marrock engine”, at about 14: 30 hours, when earth became dislodged and covered him.
The statement explained that Ramitt’s workmates immediately began digging for him which took approximately one hour before they were able to get him out.
He was motionless
when found.
The police were contacted and an investigation began.
The body was later transported to the Port Kaituma Hospital and was pronounced dead by a Doctor on duty.
A sister of the deceased who asked not to be named, during an interview with Stabroek News disclosed that Ramitt was expected to return home from the back dam this week after leaving home some two to three weeks ago.
The father of two was described as a willing and friendly individual who was always helpful.
She said that his siblings are trying to cope and stay strong for their parents. Ramitt was the eldest of three.
Thus far, a representative of the mining operation visited the family and offered their condolences.
Meanwhile, in a press release the Ministry of Labour stated that its Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department in collaborating with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in investigating the circumstances surrounding this accident.