Jakarta, IO – Eight gold miners have been trapped in an illegal mining site in Pancurendang village, Ajibarang district, Banyumas, Central Java since Wednesday (26/7). Rescue efforts have faced major obstacles as the pit is flooded.
Banyumas Police chief Chief Commissioner Edy Suranta Sitepu explained that the accident began when eight residents carried out mining activities on Tuesday (25/7) at 8pm. After two hours underground, other residents received information that water had started to flood the pit, per detikcom, Friday (28/7).
However, the miners did not make it out on time. The local residents reported to the police in the morning. Search and rescue team was immediately deployed to the scene.
Separately, Cilacap SAR Agency coordinator Adah Sudarsa revealed that the miners are all from Bogor regency, West Java.
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Adah speculated that they are trapped at the depth of 60-70 meters. Based on the layout of the mine site, the pit consists of several levels.
Currently, all the miners are presumed to have drowned. The SAR team is trying to drain the muddy water as diving is nearly impossible due to poor visibility. (bp)