Two men in Karongi District were buried when a former mining pit collapsed, killing one and injuring the other.
The incident occurred on September 23, 2026, in Kibingo Village, Gitabura Cell, Twumba Sector.
At around 1:30 p.m., authorities in Twumba Sector were informed that two men had been trapped after the mine collapsed.
The victims were Munyampenda Emmanuel, 36, from Rwankuba Sector, who died in the incident, and Niyigaba Fabien, 44, from Gishyita Sector, who sustained injuries.
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Rescue Operation
Ntamakemwa Silas, the officer in charge of finance and administration in Twumba Sector, who was serving in place of the Executive Secretary who was on leave, told IGIHE that police officers and Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) personnel went to the scene and, together with residents, recovered the deceased.
he said.: “It is a mine that was operated by REDEMI more than 15 years ago. Trees have since been planted there and have grown. They went into the area and the mine collapsed on them. Niyigaba was trapped by his legs but managed to get out, and he was the one who alerted authorities. When we removed Munyampenda, he had already died. His body was taken to Mugonero Hospital,” Authorities said Niyigaba was taken to Mugonero Hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment.
Authorities Warn Against Illegal Mining
Ntamakemwa urged residents to avoid illegal mining activities, noting that such activities are often responsible for injuries and deaths among those involved.
The Karongi mine collapse has left Munyampenda dead, leaving behind a wife and children, while Niyigaba survived with injuries.
