Burst water hose causes mudslide at Chi Chi Backdam, One dead
May 28 2026
A 25-year-old miner lost his life on Tuesday afternoon following a tragic mining pit collapse at Chi Chi Backdam along the Upper Mazaruni River.
Dead is Ryan Roberts of Kwaimatta Village, North Rupununi, Region Nine.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred at about 14:45 hrs while Roberts and several other workers were operating in a mining pit.
During operations, a water hose reportedly burst, and while attempts were being made to secure the area, a section of land suddenly gave way and collapsed into the pit.
The other workers managed to escape; however, Roberts became trapped beneath the collapsed soil. Fellow workers later dug him out, but he was found unresponsive.
He was subsequently transported to the Chinowing Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Roberts’ body is currently at the Chi Chi Airstrip awaiting transportation to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation mortuary.
Investigations into the fatal incident are ongoing.
