Worker dies in accident at SE Sulawesi mining site

A worker died following an accident involving an overburden haul truck at PT Margo Karya Mandiri's nickel mining concession in South Kabaena, Bombana Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, on Wednesday, police said as quoted by local media.

The victim, identified as 28 year old Wawan Reynaldi, was operating an overburden truck transporting material from the mine pit to the disposal area when the accident occurred at around 8:50 a.m. local time, according to South Kabaena Police Chief Indra Jaya.

Indra said the truck is suspected to have experienced a brake system failure while descending a slope, causing the vehicle to lose control.

Police said another worker, Tobi Berlian, was also inside the truck but managed to escape and alert nearby workers.

Authorities said Wawan attempted to jump from the vehicle as it overturned, but was buried by the overburden material spilled from the truck.

Workers used heavy equipment to remove the material before the victim was evacuated and taken to the South Kabaena community health center. He was reported to have shown signs of life when rescued but later died while receiving medical treatment.

Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Editing by Alexander Ginting