Police are investigating a Mining Pit incident that resulted in the death of Anthony Richard, a 17-year-old Miner of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, which occurred at about 15 hours 30 yesterday (Tuesday) at Cowpen Backdam, Puruni River, in Region #7.
Investigation revealed that the victim owned a 4-inch Land Dredge operated at the above location with three other workers. At about 15 hours 30 yesterday afternoon, Richard and the workers were in his mining pit ‘Jetting’ with a hose when suddenly the land above him became loose and crumbled, covering the teenager.
The other workers raised an alarm, and other public-spirited persons responded. Together, they were able to dig away the soil, but by the time they retrieved him, his body was lifeless. The body was taken to Puruni Health Post, where he was seen by a doctor on duty who pronounced him dead on arrival.
The body was examined, and several abrasions were observed on his left leg. The body is at the health post, waiting to be escorted to Bartica and then to Georgetown for PME.
