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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Energy & Infrastructure

Collapsed Plateau mining pit claims seven lives

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Seven miners died when a mining pit collapsed on them in Kassa community, Plateau State, on Wednesday evening.
  • The incident occurred during mining activities, trapping the victims underground and prompting rescue efforts by residents and other miners.
  • Community members expressed devastation and called for urgent government intervention to enforce safety measures at mining sites.

A tragic mining pit collapse in Kassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, has claimed the lives of at least seven miners. The incident occurred Wednesday evening around 7 p.m. as the miners were engaged in activities at the site.

The victims were trapped underground following the collapse, prompting residents and other miners to commence efforts to recover them.

— Albert DanlamiA resident describing the immediate aftermath of the mining pit collapse.

According to local sources, the victims were trapped underground when the pit suddenly caved in. Residents and fellow miners immediately launched rescue operations. Albert Danlami, a community resident, described the panic that ensued as people rushed to the site following the collapse.

"The victims were trapped underground following the collapse, prompting residents and other miners to commence efforts to recover them," Danlami stated. He noted that some individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

seven miners lost their lives in the incident.

— Rwang TengwongThe Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association confirming the death toll.

Efforts to rescue the trapped miners were made, but all seven were found deceased. The tragedy has cast a pall of mourning over the Kassa community. Locals lamented the lack of safety measures at the site, with one resident, Timothy Bako, stating, "The pit was too deep, and there were no safety measures. Government must come and regulate these mining sites before more lives are lost."

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.

— Timothy BakoA community member expressing grief and calling for government intervention in mining safety.

Community leaders have appealed to the Plateau State Government and relevant agencies for immediate assistance to the families of the deceased. They also urged for the enforcement of stricter safety standards at mining sites across the local government area to prevent future occurrences.

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.

— Unnamed residentA resident lamenting the dangerous conditions and lack of support in mining operations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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