Mine mishap: Two dead

Two miners out of the seven, died in the gem pit mishap in Puhulwella, Hakmana Thursday.

The Police found the body of a miner who went missing on Thursday night.

Matara General Hospital sources said one worker who was admitted to the Hospital in a critical condition succumbed to his injuries later in the night. The men were mining in Puhulwella when a large mound of earth fell on them. They were buried under the mound of earth when residents with the assistance of Police and the Army began the rescue operations.

The Gem and Jewellery Authority yesterday granted compensation to the parents of the workers who died in the mishap.

Each parent received Rs 100,000 as compensation.

The injured also received Rs 10,000 each as compensation. The payment was made by Authority Chairman Anil Koswatte on Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa’s directives.

The Minister has directed the Authority to assist those affected by this mishap