3 Artisanal Miners Die, 2 Hospitalised After Kano Mining Pit Accident

Three artisanal miners have died while two others were hospitalised after inhaling hazardous fumes at a flooded mining site in Riruwai, Doguwa local government area of Kano State.

The incident occurred on Tuesday after a water-pumping machine reportedly filled the mining pit where the victims were working with hazardous fumes.

The deceased miners were identified as Haruna Usaini and Yusha’u Sale, both from Dan Isa community of Rimin Gado local government area of the State, and another identified simply as Danfuli from Daurawa in Doguwa local government area.

According to a friend of one of the victims, Ahmad Rimingado, heavy rain had earlier on Monday night caused flooding at the mining site, forcing miners to suspend work until the following day.

“The pit became flooded after the heavy rainfall, so work was suspended. The next day, a new water-pumping machine was brought in to remove the water before mining could resume. The machine emitted fumes that filled the pit, killing three people, while two others collapsed after inhaling the fumes,” Rimingado narrated.

The two miners who lost consciousness were reportedly rescued and taken for medical treatment, although their condition had not been confirmed as of the time of filing this report even as concerned authorities were yet to issue an official statement on the incident as at press time.