Landslide kills two at Pongkor

BOGOR (JP): Rescue workers and local villagers recovered two bodies on Wednesday of six illegal gold miners who were trapped in a landslide the night before at Pongkor mountain.

A 40-year-old miner, Ukri, survived the incident, but three others believed buried by the mud slide have yet to be found.

One of those killed was identified as Aning, 25, a resident of Lebak regency in Bogor. Identification is pending for the other body.

Ukri told The Jakarta Post that the incident occurred at about 9 p.m. on Tuesday. "We were busy digging out shafts from the mud to find gold when suddenly the landslide struck," he said.

Ukri was able to escape because he was standing close to the opening of the shaft.

"The five other men were instantly covered with mud and rocks. I was also trapped by waist-high mud," Ukri said.

He pulled himself free and went for help. "Other miners then came and helped in the search for the men."

At least 26 bodies of illegal gold miners were recovered after a landslide in Pongkor last month.

About 37 people were working at two separate mine sites in Cepu and Ciurug when heavy rain hit the area and loosened the walls of mud in that accident.

Poorly equipped gold miners have risked their lives digging shafts in the Pongkor area to collect earth from which gold is extracted.The area has become a mass grave for dozens of illegal miners killed in recent years. However, the dangers of the work have not stopped others from filling their places.

Reports said most of the illegal gold miners were from the West Java towns of Pelabuhan Ratu and Sukabumi.

Recovery of bodies is difficult because access to the site is through a long, narrow and slippery track. (24/edt)