One body out of 17 people who have been trapped in a pit at a mining site at Prestea Nsuta in the Western Region has been found.

A 15 member rescue team deployed to rescue the victims found the body in the pit.

The search team are reportedly facing obstacles in pulling some of the bodies out of the pit. Superintendent Joseph Dzineku, who is the District Commander at Prestea has stated that the body,which is yet to be identified has been moved to the Government Hospital morgue.

Gifty Eugenia Kusi, the Deputy Regional Minister and her entourage, were present at the scene where the gory incident occurred to offer their support.

Her visit follows a tour of the site by the Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Benito Owusu Bio on Tuesday, to coordinate activities of a search party made up of rescuers from the Bogoso Golden Star Resources Mining Company, the Ghana Police, Ghana National Fire Service, NADMO and the Ghana Armed Forces.

Rescue equipment and financial report were supplied to the team deployed.

Mr. Benito advised the youth to refrain from engaging themselves in illegal mining activities as the government is commited to ending the act.

Approximately 14 people have lost their lives on Monday after the pit mining pit they were trapped in collapsed on them.

by Salim Abubakr/ghanaguardian.com