Minas Gerais, Brazil – A 71-year-old man tragically lost his life after falling into a deep hole he had dug beneath his kitchen floor in pursuit of buried gold. João Pimenta, driven by a prophetic dream, spent over a year excavating a hole as deep as a 12-story building.
According to local residents, Pimenta became consumed with the idea of discovering gold underneath his own home after a dream convinced him of its existence. Despite warnings from his neighbor, Arnaldo da Silva, Pimenta persisted in his dangerous endeavor, firmly believing that his efforts would yield the precious metal.
Da Silva disclosed that Pimenta had even considered using dynamite to remove a large rock that obstructed his excavation. The spectacle of the 35-inch diameter hole had garnered attention both online and in Brazilian media.
As Pimenta’s obsession grew, he began hiring assistance to continue the digging, offering increasing pay as the hole deepened. He had reportedly paid up to $500 to individuals willing to aid in his quest.
Tragedy struck Thursday afternoon when Pimenta lost his balance and fell into the hole. Local authorities promptly responded to the scene, and his body was taken to a medical center for examination. An autopsy revealed severe head injuries, broken legs, and various fractures, ultimately leading to Pimenta’s untimely death.
The exact duration of Pimenta’s ambitious excavation project remains unclear. However, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils associated with undertaking such ventures without taking proper safety precautions.