Falling tree kills miner, two others injured

Tragedy struck on Monday at Sandhill Backdam in the Cuyuni River, when a tree fell in a mining pit, killing a Port Kaituma miner while injuring two other persons.

The Guyana Police Force, in a statement on Tuesday, said the fatal accident occurred at around 12:45hrs on Monday, May 31, 2021.

The dead man has been identified as Olrick Matthews of Port Kaituma, NWD, while the injured men have been identified as 49-year-old Edwin Garraway, a miner of Diamond Housing Scheme, E.B.D and 40-year-old Bryan Richard, a miner of Pomeroon River.

“Enquires revealed that on the date and time mentioned, the three persons who are employed by Romeo King, a miner, were at his mining operation at the mentioned location when a heavy downpour of rain – coupled with high winds – caused a tree to be uprooted and fall into the mining pit, hitting the three workers who were working at the time,” the police stated.

According to the police, upon realizing what had occurred, the other workers ran to the assistance of the three men and upon examination saw that Olrick Matthew was motionless.

A report was made and the body was escorted to Bartica Regional Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor who pronounced him dead on arrival at 23:00 hrs.

The body was then placed into the Bartica Mortuary where it awaits a post mortem examination.
Edwin Garraway received a fractured left hand while Bryan Richard received lacerations to his forehead. Both are presently seeking medical attention at the Bartica Regional Hospital.

Investigation in progress.