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Seven miners have died after a mining pit collapsed in Kassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 7pm on Wednesday while the miners were working at the site, according to residents who spoke to The Punch in Jos on Thursday.
A community member, Albert Danlami, said the miners were trapped underground after the ground suddenly caved in, prompting residents and fellow miners to launch a rescue operation.
He said the collapse triggered panic in the community as residents rushed to the mining site to assist in the recovery effort, while some people sustained injuries.
“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,” he said.
The Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident, saying seven miners died after the pit collapsed while they were working.
Tengwong said rescue efforts were mounted immediately after the incident, but the trapped miners were eventually found dead.
The deaths have plunged Kassa into mourning, with residents calling for stronger government oversight and improved safety measures at mining sites.
A resident, Timothy Bako, described the incident as devastating and said the lack of adequate safety measures at the site contributed to the tragedy.
He called on the government to strengthen regulation of mining activities and ensure that operators comply with safety standards to prevent further loss of lives.
Another resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also appealed for government intervention, saying miners often work under dangerous conditions without adequate equipment or technical support.
Community leaders have urged the Plateau State Government and relevant agencies to provide immediate assistance to the bereaved families and enforce stricter safety regulations across mining sites in the area.
