Two people have died and a woman is in critical condition after an illegal mining (galamsey) pit collapsed at Santranso in the Odumasi area of the Asante Akyem Central Municipality.
The incident happened on Monday, June 8, while the victims were reportedly working in a newly excavated pit linked to illegal mining activities, according to Adom News.
Reports indicate that the walls of the pit suddenly caved in, burying all three miners under tonnes of loose soil and debris.
Rescue efforts were quickly launched, and all three victims were pulled from the collapsed pit after several tense minutes.
Two of them were pronounced dead on arrival, while the surviving woman sustained severe injuries and was rushed to hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Konongo-Odumasi Government Hospital mortuary, pending identification and further investigations.
Police have since opened an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident, while officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) are expected to visit the site to assess safety conditions and support affected families.
Isaac Kyei Andoh, Assembly Member for the Bomereso Electoral Area, confirmed the tragedy and expressed concern over the continued risks linked to illegal mining in the area.
He said efforts were being stepped up to clamp down on galamsey activities and prevent further loss of life.
The incident adds to growing concerns about the human and environmental toll of illegal mining, which continues to claim lives and endanger communities across the country.