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 7 pm on Wednesday while miners were working at the site.
Residents who spoke to The Punch in Jos on Thursday said the ground caved in suddenly, trapping the miners underground.
A community member, Albert Danlami, said residents and fellow miners rushed to the site to rescue 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,” he said.
Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident, saying seven died despite immediate rescue efforts.
A resident, Timothy Bako, said lack of safety measures contributed to the tragedy.
The deaths have thrown Kassa into mourning, with calls for stronger government oversight and safety at mining sites.
Plateau State has many informal mining sites for tin and other minerals. Collapses are common during rainy season due to loose soil and lack of protective structures. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development regulates mining and issues safety guidelines.
Informal mining often lacks safety gear, proper shoring and emergency plans. Workers dig deep pits without engineering support, raising risk of collapse.
Residents asked government to enforce safety rules, provide training and monitor sites.
The Plateau State Government and Federal Mines Office are yet to issue official statement on the Kassa collapse.
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