MELSS Probes Fatal FG Gold Mining Accident in Baomahun as Family Seeks Support for Children
By Staff Writer
The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS) has launched an investigation into the death of Fatmata Mustapha, a spotter at FG Gold Mining Company in Baomahun, Bo District, who was fatally injured in an accident involving a grader on 3 October 2026.
The incident occurred during road construction activities in Valunia Chiefdom, prompting an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and identify measures to prevent similar workplace accidents.
The investigation team, led by Ing. Osman Conteh, interviewed company officials, police personnel, medical staff and eyewitnesses to reconstruct the events leading to the fatality.
According to accounts presented to the team, grader operator Samuel IT Clinton was reversing the machine when Fatmata came under its front wheel. Company paramedic Mark Murray said she sustained fatal crush injuries. Clinton reportedly said he had conducted pre-start checks before beginning work and did not know how Fatmata came under the machine.
Murray further disclosed that drug and alcohol tests conducted on the operator returned negative results. Police subsequently took him into custody as investigations continued. The company also reportedly provided mental health support to workers affected by the incident.
Fatmata’s husband, Mustapha Bundu, acknowledged the company’s assistance with burial arrangements and other financial support following his wife’s death. However, he appealed for further assistance, particularly with the education of their children, and requested possible employment opportunities for a family member to help sustain the household.
The incident has highlighted the importance of strict adherence to occupational health and safety standards, particularly at mining sites where heavy machinery operates in close proximity to workers.
MELSS said the investigation is intended to establish the circumstances and contributing factors surrounding the fatality and recommend measures to strengthen workplace safety and prevent similar tragedies.
