A 23-year-old mechanic was reportedly buried alive in a mining pit in an area close to Mahdia on Sunday and his relatives say that they are still to get “all the facts”.
The decomposing remains of Wayne Benjamin Jnr of Lot 58 Vigilance South, East Coast Demerara were brought to the city by police yesterday.
This newspaper was told that Benjamin had been working in the interior for about a year and at the time of his death was employed by a relative who owns a land dredge.
When Stabroek News arrived at the home, preparations for a wake had already started.
His brother, Mark, said Benjamin was a trained mechanic and he has since heard that in addition to this he worked in the pit and was the general manager. He said that three weeks ago his brother left home on his fourth trip to the interior location; it was his second stint working with the relative.
He recalled that late Sunday afternoon, a relative called and said that Wayne had been involved in an accident and would be flown out of the area since his condition was critical. Minutes later, the same person called back saying that he had died.
The man said several days have passed and they are still to get all the facts surrounding the incident. Mark added that they have been hearing many different versions but they were awaiting the arrival of the dredge owner (the relative) who was still in the area where the incident occurred.
Meanwhile another brother, Carlet, said they are also awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination which is scheduled for tomorrow.
In recent times, several miners have perished in mining pits cave-ins. The apparent lack of safety equipment for those engaged in this dangerous job has repeatedly been raised.
Benjamin leaves to mourn his parents, Wayne Snr and Bridgette along with six siblings.
