Mining site collapse in Plateau, claims 13 lives

13 persons have died after a mining site collapsed on them in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

The tragedy was confirmed by the Chairman of the LGA, Joshua Riti while speaking to Newsmen on Tuesday.

Riti stated that the mining site collapsed on Saturday with the deceased who were working inside of it.

Expressing sadness over the deaths recorded, the LGA Chairman revealed that seven of the deceased are from Bassa LGA while the others are from different LGAs in the state.

He also stated that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the cause of the sudden collapse.

Riti however, lamented the fact that the deceased who are all youths between the ages of 18 to 30 met with their untimely death while working hard to fend for themselves and their families in these hard times.

He stated, “This is an unfortunate incident, these young people were only out in search of a means of livelihood. They went out to put their energies to good use to sustain and meet up with the current economic hardship in the country but met their untimely death.

“I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.”

According to eyewitness accounts, the workers were all inside the mining site when it suddenly collapsed and crashed on them.

Upon rushing them to the hospital, the 13 of them were confirmed dead on arrival.