Police are investigating a mining incident that resulted in the death of Bertram Willie, a 60-year-old Miner who resided at Wisrock New Housing Scheme, Linden. The incident occurred on 6th March 2024 about 12:45 hrs at Cowing Backdam, Upper Mazaruni River in Region #7.
Willie was the registered owner of a four-inch water dredge operation at the above-mentioned location.
Trevor Benn, a 50-year-old Miner of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, alleged that on the date and time mentioned above, Willie was submerged in the Mazaruni River working (extracting gravel) when he (Benn) observed that a piece of land caved into the river (the area where Willie was operating).
Benn said he tried to indicate to Willie but did not get any response from him. He immediately raised an alarm and with the assistance of other miners nearby, he went into the river searching for Willie, who was found pinned down underwater by a tree stump.
Benn said he managed to free Willie whose body, by this time, was motionless. Trevor Benn later escorted Willie’s body to Imbaimadai Health Post where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a Doctor.
Investigations continue.
