TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Dozens of gold miners in Sinaa Hamlet, Buranga Village, Ampibabo District, Parigi Moutong Regency, Central Sulawesi were reportedly buried by landslides during illegal mining activities.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night, February 24, as reported in a press release from the Parigi Moutong Communication and Information Agency.

However, the agency has not yet confirmed the number of casualties and the condition. Heavy equipment has been deployed to evacuate the miners. Those who have been evacuated are rushed to nearby community health centers (Puskesmas) for medical treatment.

“Victims are evacuated from the landslide using excavators one by one,” said Arifin, the official of the Ampibabo subdistrict government at the location.

As of Thursday morning, February 25, several victims are still buried. Initial reports revealed that 11 victims have been successfully evacuated, five of whom died and six others survived.

The evacuation process of the landslide victims was still afoot. The Parigi Moutong Police Chief and the Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) Chairman reported to have been at the illegal mining site, but could not be contacted yet for further information regarding the incident.

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ANTARA