Seven people have been confirmed dead after an illegal mining pit in which they worked caved in on them at Korle Teye (Takorso site) in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region.

About 17 others remain trapped under debris as time runs out, with locals helping with rescue efforts doing so with anything they could lay hands on.

According to Adom News correspondent Akwasi Dwamena, who visited the site and saw the uncoordinated rescue efforts, only two of the trapped miners have been rescued alive, with the lifeless bodies of the seven laid out in the open, covered only with bushes.

The miners prevented the team of journalists from taking photographs of the incident and chased them away.