Two dead, one in critical condition after galamsey pit collapse at Assin North

Two people have been confirmed dead and one other left in critical condition following the collapse of an illegal mining pit at Dansame in the Assin North District.

The tragic incident occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, April 23, 2026, when a group of eight miners were reportedly working inside a newly excavated pit believed to be part of ongoing galamsey operations.

According to eyewitness accounts, the walls of the pit suddenly caved in without warning, trapping three of the miners beneath large amounts of soil and debris. The unexpected collapse triggered panic among nearby workers and residents, who immediately rushed to the scene in an attempt to rescue those trapped.

Rescue efforts, however, proved extremely difficult due to the unstable condition of the زمین and the depth of the pit. Despite these challenges, community members and fellow miners worked frantically, digging through the rubble in a desperate bid to save their colleagues.

After several minutes of intense effort, the three victims were eventually pulled from the debris. Sadly, a 22-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man were pronounced dead at the scene. The third victim was found alive but in critical condition.

The injured miner was quickly transported to a nearby medical facility, where health professionals described his condition as very serious. He remains under emergency care as doctors work to stabilize him.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased have been conveyed to the morgue at New Edubiase Government Hospital for preservation and identification, as arrangements are expected to be made for their release to families.

The Assin North District Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation, Edward Fireson, confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the continued dangers posed by illegal mining activities in the area. He indicated that authorities are stepping up efforts to clamp down on such operations, which frequently expose workers to life-threatening risks.

Police have since launched investigations into the exact circumstances leading to the collapse, including whether proper safety measures were ignored. Officials from NADMO are also expected to visit the site to assess the situation and identify any regulatory or safety breaches that may have contributed to the disaster.

The incident adds to the growing list of fatalities linked to illegal mining in Ghana, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement of mining regulations and improved safety awareness among those involved in such activities.