Thirty-seven miners have died after toxic fumes engulfed a mining site in Nigeria’s north-central Plateau state, with dozens more rushed to hospital as authorities scramble to determine what triggered the deadly exposure.
The tragedy occurred before dawn on Tuesday in Kampani Zurak, a community in the Wase area, police confirmed. Emergency responders recovered 37 bodies, while 26 survivors were taken for treatment.
In a statement, police spokesperson Alfred Alabo said initial findings point to a sudden release of hazardous gases inside the mine.
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“Preliminary investigation revealed that the miners were affected due to a sudden discharge of lead oxide and other associated gases like sulphur and carbon monoxide which are toxic and poisonous to humans, particularly in a confined or poorly ventilated environment,” he said. “The corpses of the deceased victims have been released to their families for burial according to their religious practices.”
Federal authorities have since shut down the site and launched a formal probe into the source of the leak, the AP reported.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the workers did not recognize the danger posed by the emissions and continued operating despite the buildup of fumes.
Officials have not disclosed what mineral was being extracted at the location, nor have they clarified whether the operation was licensed. The incident comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to curb illegal mining, particularly unregulated gold extraction, which has led to repeated fatal accidents across the country in recent years.
