AKYEMPEM, GHANA (BNO NEWS) -- At least 75 people are feared to have been killed after heavy rains flooded a mining pit in central Ghana, local media reported on Monday.

The incident happened on Sunday at a mining pit in Akyempem, near Dunkwa-on-Ofin in the Upper Denkyira District of central Ghana. Around 136 'galamsey' operators were working in the pit when the flooding began.

Only those near the edge of the pit managed to escape in time, according to police commander S.K. Boateng. "But others were trapped," he said, while adding that he could not confirm how many people were still inside the pit.

Boateng said it will be a difficult rescue effort because the pit is not only filled with water, but the location of the pit itself - near a river - also makes it difficult for rescue workers to get to the scene.

Police officers responded to the scene on Sunday but instead went to meet with traditional authorities for rituals, rather than to attempt any rescue operation, according to Joy FM.

On Monday, desperate family members of the victims - who were believed to be illegal miners - gathered at the scene. A Solar FM correspondent said the families were waiting for chiefs to perform their rituals before any bodies will be pulled out.

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