One dead after an earth bank collapsed at an illegal gem mine in Horana.

A person working in an illegally operated gem mine in the Wagawatta area, which falls under the Horana Police Division, has tragically died after being buried under a mound of earth. Police headquarters confirm that this fatal accident occurred yesterday (31).

The deceased was engaged in gem mining activities with several others at the unauthorized mine. It is reported that the accident occurred when a large mound of earth suddenly collapsed on him.

Seriously injured after being buried under the mound of earth, he was promptly taken to Horana Base Hospital. However, a hospital spokesperson stated that he had already passed away by the time he was admitted to the hospital.

The person who met this unfortunate fate was a forty-four-year-old (44) resident of the Kiriella area.

The body of the deceased is currently kept at the Horana Hospital mortuary, and the post-mortem examination related to the incident is scheduled to be conducted today (01). Horana Police are conducting further investigations into the accident.