"A 52-year-old employee of Tongguan Mining Company in Chambishi has died after being struck by a portion of rock while working underground. Police have opened an inquiry file and investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident."
By Arnold Tutu
A 52-year-old employee of Tongguan Mining Company in Chambishi has died after being struck by a portion of rock while working underground.
Copperbelt Commissioner of Police RAE HAMOONGA says the incident occurred today, September 7, 2026, at around 05:30 hours at the mining company in Chambishi, Kalulushi, and was reported to Chambishi Police Station at 11:30 hours.
Mr. HAMOONGA has identified the deceased as NICOLAS MAMBWE, who was working the night shift, which runs from 18:00 hours to 06:00 hours.
He says preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. MAMBWE was working underground at the 980-metre level with a three-member crew when a portion of rock unexpectedly dislodged from the right side of the face and fell on him.
Mr. HAMOONGA says Mr. MAMBWE sustained multiple injuries to both legs and other parts of his body and was bleeding heavily.
He says the injured miner was immediately taken to the company's Plant Site Clinic, where he received first aid before being evacuated to Sinozam Hospital in Kitwe.
Mr. HAMOONGA said in a statement that Mr. MAMBWE was later referred to Kitwe Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
He said police have since opened an inquiry file and are arranging for officers, together with the Coroner, to visit and examine the accident scene.
Mr. HAMOONGA said investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
Originally published by ZNBC News
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