Miner killed by falling tree stump

Police are investigating a fatal mining incident that occurred on Saturday at Thomas Island, Puruni River, resulting in the death of Harry Critchlow, a 56-year-old male miner from Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

According to a police report, investigations revealed that the mining site is operated by Sherwin Herman, a 37-year-old resident of Grove Squatting Area, who is the owner of the mining claim at Thomas Island, Puruni River.

Herman had employed Harry Critchlow to work in the mining pit. At around 10:00 a.m. yesterday, Critchlow was working in the pit when a tree stump fell and struck him on the head, rendering him unconscious. The injury sustained proved fatal, leading to his death.

The incident was reported to Sherwin Herman at approximately 11:00 a.m. on the same day while he was at his camp. Several individuals working in the mining pit at the time of the incident were interviewed by detectives. They confirmed witnessing the event as described and provided formal statements.

After the initial investigation was completed, the body was escorted from the incident site to the Itaballi Landing at 2:00 a.m. this morning.

The investigation is ongoing.