Seven miners have lost their lives after a mining pit gave way at Kassa community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Wednesday evening.
Residents told our correspondent in Jos on Thursday that the collapse happened at around 7pm while the miners were actively working at the site.
A community member, Albert Danlami, explained that the victims became trapped underground when the ground caved in, triggering a rescue effort by residents and fellow miners.
He 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, corroborated the account, telling our correspondent that “seven miners lost their lives in the incident, adding that the victims were at the mining site when the pit collapsed.”
He added, “Efforts were made to rescue the miners after the incident, but they were found dead.”
The disaster has left Kassa community in mourning, with residents describing the loss as devastating and renewing calls for government action on mining safety.
Community member, Timothy Bako, expressed grief over the deaths, saying, “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 asked not to be named, echoed similar frustrations: “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.”
Community leaders are urging the Plateau State Government and relevant agencies to step in with immediate support for the bereaved families, while pushing for stronger safety regulations to be enforced across mining sites in the local government area.
