GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – The Guyana Police Force on Friday said that two Brazilian gold miners died after a mining pit collapsed at Chenapou, North Pakaraimas, in the spectacular Pakaraima Mountain Range in Region 8, known for its dramatic tabletop mountains.

The miners have been identified as Cleumiton Da Silva Santos, 37, and 44-year-old Antonio Filho, and the police said that the incident occurred on December 30, at “S” Bend Backdam.

“Preliminary enquiries revealed that the two deceased were working inside a mining pit when a quantity of sand collapsed into the pit. While other workers managed to escape, both men became trapped and were later retrieved motionless,” the police said in a statement.

It said that due to the remote location, the bodies are currently at “S” Bend Backdam, and arrangements are being made to transport them to the Mahdia District Hospital, where post-mortem examinations will be conducted.

The police said investigations are continuing.