JELI: Two men were killed after being buried in the collapse of a 2m-high soil embankment, believed to have occurred while they were gold mining in a tributary area at the Jerimbong Oil Palm Estate here on Wednesday (May 20) night, Sinar Harian reports.
The Malay language daily also reported that in the 8.20pm incident, another victim was reported to have survived.
Jeli Fire and Rescue Station chief Asst Fire Supt Adni Ibrahim said the department received an emergency call about the incident involving victims buried by soil, before a team was dispatched to the location.
He said the rescue operation faced difficulties as firefighters were unable to enter the plantation area with machinery because the access route was narrow.
“The operations commander said the team had to use a pick-up truck to reach the incident site.
“The search operation began at 9.20pm and it was confirmed that two victims were buried due to the collapse of a 2m-high soil embankment in the tributary area,” he said when contacted Thursday (May 21).
Adni said the first victim was found at 9.25pm, while the second victim was found at 11.18pm.
Both male victims, believed to be in their 30s, were pronounced dead at the scene.
“The operation was fully concluded at 11.40pm,” he said.
Adni added that nine personnel from the Jeli Fire and Rescue Station were involved in the operation, with assistance from an FRT engine, EMRS and an RRV vehicle.
