Seven miners have died after a mining pit collapsed in Kassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau state.

The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday while the miners were working at the site.

A community member, Albert Danlami, told the newspaper that the miners were trapped underground after the earth suddenly caved in.

“The victims were trapped underground following the collapse, prompting residents and other miners to commence efforts to recover them,” Danlami was quoted as saying.

He said the incident caused panic in the community as residents rushed to the mining site to assist in the rescue effort.

“Some persons were injured following the collapse,” he added.

The publicity secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the deaths, saying seven miners were killed in the incident.

“Efforts were made to rescue the miners after the incident, but they were found dead,”  Tengwong said.

The incident has renewed concerns over safety conditions at mining sites across Plateau State, where informal and artisanal mining activities remain widespread.

The latest deaths come less than six months after a major mining disaster in another part of Plateau State.

On 19 February,  an explosion at a mining site in Kampani Zurak, Wase local government area, killed at least 33 people, according to the Plateau state government.  (Premium Times)