Seven miners have died after a mining pit collapsed in Kassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The incident occurred around 7pm on Wednesday while the miners were working at the site. Residents and fellow miners attempted rescue efforts, but all seven were found dead.
Collapse and Rescue Efforts
According to residents, the ground suddenly gave way, trapping the miners underground. The collapse caused panic in Kassa as community members rushed to the mining site to help. A community member, Albert Danlami, said, “The victims were trapped underground following the collapse, prompting residents and other miners to commence efforts to recover them. The incident caused panic in the community as residents rushed to the mining site following the collapse. The miners had been working at the site before the earth suddenly caved in on them. Some persons were injured following the collapse.”
The Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the deaths, stating that seven miners were at the site when the pit collapsed. He added, “Efforts were made to rescue the miners after the incident, but they were found dead.”
Community Grief and Calls for Action
The tragedy has left residents of Kassa mourning, with renewed concerns about safety at mining sites in the area. Timothy Bako, a resident, said, “We are heartbroken. These are young men who went to work to feed their families. The pit was too deep and there were no safety measures. Government must come and regulate these mining sites before more lives are lost.”
Another resident, who chose to remain anonymous, highlighted unsafe mining practices: “Every time we hear this kind of news. People are digging with bare hands and no support. We need help from government and mining experts to prevent this from happening again.”
Demands for Government Intervention
Community leaders have called on the Plateau State Government and relevant mining authorities to provide immediate support to the families of the deceased and strengthen safety measures at mining sites across Barkin Ladi. The incident has also renewed concerns over the dangers faced by informal and poorly regulated mining workers, especially where miners operate without adequate safety structures.
