By Staff writer
TWO men lost their lives while three others escaped with injuries after an explosion at a mine in Mberengwa on Saturday.
The deceased have been identified as James Ndebele, 38 of Maglas township in Zvishavane and Alfred Hove, 19 of Bricks village, Chief Bvute in Mberengwa.
According to ZRP Midlands spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the two were mining in a shaft at Dohwe 118 Gold mine in Mberengwa when the explosion occured.
It is reported that Ndebele and Hove were in the shaft while three others were working outside, Hove then asked for fire to light up his cigarette.
One of his colleagues outside the shaft threw a piece of burning firewood that reportedly landed on top of explosives causing an explosion.
“Whilst working, Hove asked for fire to light up his cigarette and one of the miners who were outside threw a piece of burning firewood log into the shaft and it landed on top of explosives which exploded instantly killing Ndebele and Hove,” he said.
“The miners who were outside the shaft sustained varying injuries after being hit from flying objects caused by the explosion.”
Insp Mahoko said the police we currently carrying out investigations.
