Tragic Quarry Collapse in West Java Claims 14 Lives
In a devastating incident in Indonesia’s West Java province, authorities confirmed that the death toll from yesterday’s quarry collapse has risen to 14, with several individuals still unaccounted for. The disaster occurred at the Gunung Kuda quarry located in Cirebon district, where a sudden collapse of a limestone excavation site trapped numerous workers beneath the debris.
Rescue Operations and Casualty Details
Rescue teams faced an arduous task as they worked tirelessly through the rubble, supported by heavy machinery including five excavators. During the initial search, rescuers managed to recover 10 bodies and rescue 12 injured survivors. Later, three additional bodies were retrieved, and one worker succumbed to injuries in the hospital, raising the total fatalities to 14. Currently, five individuals remain hospitalized with critical injuries, and authorities estimate that between six and eight more workers could still be trapped beneath the debris.
Ongoing Search and Investigation
Early Saturday morning, emergency personnel, police officers, and volunteers continued their efforts to locate and rescue any remaining victims. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, with authorities questioning six individuals, including the quarry’s owner, to determine the circumstances leading to the tragedy. Local police chief Sumarni emphasized that the investigation is ongoing as officials seek to establish whether safety violations contributed to the incident.
Official Response and Safety Concerns
West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, who visited the site prior to his election in February, expressed concern over the safety standards at the quarry. In a video message shared on Instagram, he stated, “The site did not meet the necessary safety regulations for its workers.” Following the disaster, Mulyadi ordered the immediate closure of the quarry, along with three other similar operations in the region, to prevent further tragedies.
Prevalence of Illegal Mining and Associated Risks
Indonesia has a significant number of informal and illegal mining operations, which often operate without proper safety measures. These activities provide livelihoods for many local residents but expose workers to severe hazards such as landslides, flooding, and tunnel collapses. Additionally, the extraction of minerals like gold, sand, and rocks frequently involves the use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, often with minimal protective equipment, heightening the risk of poisoning and accidents.
Recent Incidents Highlighting Mining Dangers
Last year, a landslide triggered by heavy rains at an illegal gold mine on Sumatra island resulted in at least 15 fatalities. Such incidents underscore the perilous conditions faced by workers engaged in unregulated mining activities across Indonesia, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety standards and regulation.
Contributing to this report, Niniek Karmini of the Associated Press provided additional insights from Jakarta, Indonesia.
