TWO illegal artisanal miners died and two others were injured while more than 20 others are feared trapped underground after a tunnel at Globe and Phoenix Mine in Kwekwe collapsed yesterday.

By the time of going to print last night, the actual number of trapped illegal artisanal miners was not clear, but indications were that about 25 miners were underground at the time of the disaster.

Chief Government Mining Engineer Michael Munodawafa confirmed the incident yesterday, adding that a rescue mission for the missing miners was on going.

Eng Munodafawa said mining inspectors were still trying to gain entry into the collapsed shaft through other channels.

“We can confirm that two artisanal miners died while two others were injured and taken to hospital after a mine shaft they were working in collapsed,” he said.

“We are still to get more casualties but there is a possibility that those who are said to be missing could have found their way out through other entrances and exit points.

“We are not ruling out the fact that there could be scores others missing, but they could as well have managed to escape; we will give a final update once the operation is over.”-State media