Many Dead in Ghana Mine Collapse
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Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Rescue workers say there is little chance of finding more survivors after a gold mine collapsed in Ghana, trapping dozens.
Exact numbers are unclear, as the miners were not allowed in the pit in Dunkwa-on-Offin, central Ghana.
At least 15 people have survived but there are fears that about 100 people could have been buried when the roof fell in.
Last year, the death of 15 miners was said to be Ghana's worst such disaster.
The rescue operation has been hampered by flooding.
"At this stage I don't think we can get any survivors, those who are already trapped, I believe they may be dead now," local police commander Supt SK Buabeng was quoted as saying.
"We are trying our best to get the bodies recovered."
Ghana, previously known as the Gold Coast, remains one of Africa's biggest producers of the precious metal.
Multi-nationals operate in the country but villagers often dig their own pits or hope to strike it rich in abandoned mines.
In such cases, there are few, if any, safety precautions.