A mine worker was crushed to death at Mchenga coal mine on Saturday morning by a rock which broke loose from the ceiling, pinning him down to the ground.

The deceased, Mr Alex Songa was working on a morning shift which runs from 6AM to 2PM when he met his fate at around 9AM

Mr Robert Mkandawire a source close to the mine said that “The rock was too big that it required fellow workers to break it before they could retrieve his body from under it.”

"He was working on a morning shift and as usual reported for duties at 6am. It was at knock off time when a head count revealed that he was missing. His workmates went back into the mine and easily located him because his mine lamp was still on."

Rumphi Police spokesperson Victor Khamisi confirmed the development in an interview and said Songa was referred to Rumphi District Hospital where death was confirmed, adding that this is the first reported incident at the mine this year.

(Sourced from www.bnltimes.com)