A 42-year-old Indonesian mine expatriate has died in an accident at Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi.

North Western Province Police Commissioner Auxensio Daka confirmed the death of Antonius Simatupang who was hit by a launder pipe, causing lung contusion and fractured ribs.

“A Sudden and unnatural death in form of mine accident occurred on 23.03.17 around 03:00 hrs at floatation area, process plant near tank number 3011 in kansanshi mine solwezi. The accident was reported today on 25.3.17 at 17:45hrs by Sichisambwe aged 56, a safety manager at Kansanshi Mine on behalf of Kansanshi Mine plc,” Daka said.

Daka said efforts were made to evacuate Simatupang to South Africa but he died at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.

“Simatupang aged 42, Indonesian by nationality working as a pipe fitter was hit and pushed by a launder steal pipe whilst working and sustained lung contusion (rupture of lung) caused by fracture of the 6th left rib. The victim was rushed to Meryberg clinic within Solwezi, then Mukinge Hospital in Kasempa for surgery but Mukinge Hospital recommended that the patient be taken to South Africa,” said Daka.

“However, victim died at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport as he was to be flown. Body is in the mortuary in Lusaka pending postmortem. Meanwhile a docket has been opened to ascertain the facts that led to the death.”