Phetchaburi mine 'may have been operating illegally'
Rescue workers continued to search for the bodies of victims in a fatal rockslide at a mine in Phetchaburi, south of Bangkok, which authorities say may have ignored an order to improve its work methods for months.
The rockslide instantly killed backhoe driver Suwichart Suwinya yesterday morning. Two Myanmar workers, known simply as Nai and Yoo, were missing after the accident and feared dead.
As of press time, four other miners were receiving treatment at Phra Chomklao Hospital for serious injuries.
The rockslide also damaged three pickups, four 10-wheelers, and three backhoes.
Phetchaburi Governor Montien Thongnit has declared the mine a disaster zone and neighbouring areas a risky zone.
The mine was ordered to suspend all operations until inspections confirm that it is safe to resume work at the site.
Khao Yoi district chief Wisa Poonsirirat was ordered to head a search to try to locate the bodies of the two missing victims.
“This is the urgent mission,” Montien said.
Phet Samut mine owner Wichai Laowanichwisit said he was sorry for the tragic incident. He said his company would pay the medical bills of victims and offer compensation to the families of those killed.
Montien said he had also assigned Phetchaburi’s disaster-prevention and mitigation office to see how to provide further assistance to the victims.
Meanwhile, the head of the Primary Industries and Mines Region 7 Office said the mine was instructed to improve its mining method several months ago.
“Its method is not the right one,” Somsak Huankrasin said.
He suspected the mine may have ignored the problem until the fatal accident yesterday.
“We will look into whether negligence led workers to work in unsafe circumstances,” Somsak said.
