At least 37 miners have died and 25 others hospitalized following a suspected carbon monoxide leak at a mining site in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday at a facility identified as Solid Mining Company, where workers were reportedly carrying out routine operations deep underground.
Sources said the victims, mostly young men aged between 20 and 35, were exposed to toxic gas that had accumulated in poorly ventilated tunnels. Several miners were said to have collapsed inside the shafts before colleagues raised the alarm.
Rescue teams, supported by site personnel, evacuated survivors and rushed 25 injured workers to a nearby primary healthcare centre. Medical officials indicated that some of the victims remain in critical condition.
Security sources confirmed that the mining site has been secured to prevent further exposure and to allow for a full investigation into the cause of the leak. Emergency response measures were immediately activated following the incident.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over safety standards in Nigeria’s underground mining sector, particularly regarding ventilation systems, gas monitoring and emergency preparedness.
Authorities have pledged a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including an assessment of the company’s compliance with safety regulations. The identities of the deceased are yet to be officially released.
Further updates are expected as investigations continue.