An abandoned galamsey pit in Wassa Dunkwa in the Western Region has claimed the lives of three children and their mother.
The sad incident highlights the ongoing public safety crisis in these mining communities.
The incident occurred on Saturday when the family ventured out to collect firewood.
An eyewitness reports that, after their chore, the children entered one of the many neglected excavation sites that had filled with rainwater.
When they got into trouble, their mother attempted a rescue but also succumbed to the water.
Local authorities, including Assembly Member Paul Kata, have confirmed the deaths, and a police investigation is underway.
However, for many residents, this tragedy is a grim reminder of the constant danger lurking in their midst.
With countless pits left unreclaimed across the region, community leaders are renewing calls for urgent action to secure or backfill these death traps to prevent further loss of life.
