7 miners dead from gas poisoning while panning for gold in abandoned Benguet, Itogon tunnel

📌 On the night of Wednesday, September 30, seven miners died from gas poisoning while panning for gold in an abandoned mining tunnel in Itogon, Benguet. The Benguet Provincial Police Office confirmed the cause of death as gas poisoning on October 3, and the local government stated that the site was an illegal small-scale mining operation.

■ Incident Details
· The accident occurred while seven miners were panning for gold inside a 300-meter-deep tunnel (according to the Benguet Provincial Police Director, GMA News).
· When the seven failed to return, other miners entered the tunnel to look for them.
· According to The Manila Times, the accident happened around 11 p.m. on September 30 in Dalicno, Ampucao, Itogon, and the bodies were recovered about 20 meters from the tunnel entrance around 11 a.m. on October 1. The victims were aged 18 to 62, and six of them were from Tadian, Mountain Province (one location verified).

■ Investigation & Current Status
· The Itogon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer explained that poor ventilation may have caused gas to accumulate inside the tunnel. The police have not yet revealed what kind of gas it was or where it came from.
· The municipal government stated that it was unaware of any mining activities taking place in the tunnel, classifying it as illegal small-scale mining, and is discussing measures such as closing the tunnel. The site has been restricted from entry.
· The bodies have been handed over to the bereaved families, and police investigations are ongoing.

■ Notice for Residents & Travelers
· Do not enter abandoned mining tunnels or narrow, poorly ventilated caves. Invisible gases may have accumulated inside.
· When traveling through the mountainous areas of Baguio and Benguet, it is safe not to explore caves or mine shafts without a local guide.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/2, 10/3), The Manila Times (10/3)