Gas poisoning suspected in deaths of seven miners in the Philippines

Police suspect gas poisoning caused the deaths of at least seven miners in the Philippines earlier this week, as an investigation into the incident continues.

The miners died on Wednesday night inside a small-scale mining tunnel in Benguet, on the northern island of Luzon, The Manila Times reported.

What is known about the incident?

The bodies, belonging to people aged between 18 and 62, were recovered on Thursday about 20 metres (66 feet) from the tunnel entrance.

Police have not specified which gas may have been involved and said they have yet to determine its source. The victims’ relatives believe the deaths were accidental, the report said.