Many Residents Killed in Slag Heap Collapse in Kitwe
Category: Criminal Activity
Severity: 2 (Low)
Source: Drum Cussac
06/20/2018 (Zambia) - According to local media reports on Wednesday, 20 June, at least 17 people have been killed and 50 are still missing after a large slag heap known locally as the 'Black Mountain' collapsed in Kitwe this morning. A number of residents are thought to be buried under the landslide and emergency rescue operations are ongoing. The existence of the site has long been contentious as the government have been accused of supporting unsafe blasting practices in the area. In May, 130 homes were destroyed in the nearby Wuzakile Township following a debris spill. The death toll from this most recent collapse is expected to rise sharply as more bodies are recovered from the scene of the incident.
It is recommended that personnel ensure that international standard safety regulations are adhered to in industrial sites across the country before they are visited. Members are advised to expect potential travel disruption in the vicinity of the mine as emergency teams continue operating at the site. Travellers should monitor local media sources for further updates on the incident.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
Related
News Alerts and Safety Profiles are provided strictly for informational purposes and contain the best available data at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, the information in this report has not been independently verified and HTH Worldwide therefore accepts no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies in such information and any such liability is expressly denied, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made. Documents may be amended or withdrawn at any time without cause.