37 miners die, over 20 injured in Plateau gas leak tragedy

No fewer than 37 miners have been confirmed dead following a carbon monoxide leak at a mining site in Kampani Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

A local miner, Safiyanu Haruna, who confirmed the incident, said the tragedy occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when the victims returned to the site after observing their morning prayers.

According to him, the miners had briefly left the site around 5:30 a.m. for prayers and were still alive at that time. However, at about 6:30 a.m., upon their return to the mining pit, they were reportedly overcome by carbon monoxide fumes.

“It was carbon monoxide gas that leaked and killed them. We woke up to the sad news of losing 37 miners who had been struggling to make ends meet. Around 5:30 a.m., they were all alive because they had gone for morning prayers. It was when they returned to the site that they were found in this condition,” Haruna said.

He added that there was no immediate rescue effort, as those expected to arrive at the site later in the morning had not yet come when the incident occurred.

While 37 persons were confirmed dead, more than 20 others sustained injuries and were rushed to a hospital in Wase town, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Funeral prayers for the deceased miners are ongoing in the community.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

However, residents disclosed that the chairman of the local government area was present at the funeral prayers.