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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
TWO miners died while two others were hospitalised with critical injuries after a shaft collapsed on them at Turk Mine in Bubi District yesterday. The accident occurred at about 4AM at the mine situated about 40km north of Bulawayo.

People at the mine said one of those who survived fractured both his legs, among other injuries.

The condition of the other person could not be ascertained by the time of going to print.

When The Chronicle arrived at the mine at about 11 AM yesterday, the two bodies were covered with red blankets.

They were later taken away to Inyathi District Hospital in an ambulance.

Security officers at the mine barred the news crew from entering the premises.

The mine manager identified as Mr Bheki Khumalo declined to give details saying he was busy.

“I’m very busy. I’m dealing with relatives of the victims as well as inspectors from [the] Mines [ministry]. I’m not trying to be rude and I hope you understand but I can’t talk to you at the moment,” said Mr Khumalo.

He left with police officers and officials from the Mines and Border Control Unit, who had come to investigate the matter.

Turk Mine workers said that the shaft collapsed while four men were working in it.

“There were four guys working in the shaft when it collapsed. I wasn’t there when the incident occurred but two of them died while the others were taken to Bulawayo for treatment. They were both badly injured. One of them had both his legs broken,” said a worker.

One of the deceased was identified only as Marange, a nickname given to him because he came from Marange in Manicaland.

Chief Mtshane also visited the mine where officials briefed him about the incident.

However, he declined to shed much light on the matter saying it would be unwise for him to be talking about it as he didn’t have finer details.

“I’ve just been told that two people died while the other two were rushed to Mater Dei Hospital for treatment. I can’t comment on this because they said they’re still investigating the cause of the accident. If I comment I might even be sued,” he said.

A comment could not be obtained from Matabeleland North acting police spokesperson Sergeant Namatirai Mashona as she was said to be in Harare for a meeting.