At least 33 miners die from suspected carbon-monoxide leak at Plateau State mine; rescue teams rush survivors to nearby hospitals.
At least 33 miners have died in a suspected carbon-monoxide leak at a lead and zinc mine near Wase in Plateau State, witnesses reported on Wednesday. The tragedy occurred just before sunrise when toxic gas built up in poorly ventilated tunnels, causing workers to collapse underground before completing their night shift.
Those arriving for the morning shift discovered the bodies, while more than 20 miners were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Witness Safiyanu Haruna described the scene, saying the victims had just returned underground after performing early morning prayers when the gas leak struck.
The mine, operated by Solid Unity Nigeria Ltd., has been sealed off by security personnel as authorities investigate the cause. Response efforts have been complicated by security concerns in the area, where armed criminal gangs locally called bandits have been active in recent years.
Preliminary statements from the Plateau state government initially reported 33 fatalities, while witnesses at the scene suggested higher numbers. Victims are believed to be men aged between 20 and 40, and they were buried in accordance with local tradition.
The disaster has devastated the primarily Muslim community in Wase. Mining accidents occur frequently in Nigeria, highlighting longstanding safety concerns. Less than two years ago, dozens of gold miners died in Niger state after being trapped underground due to a pit collapse caused by heavy rains.
Authorities are expected to conduct a full investigation into the mine’s safety standards as the community mourns those lost in this latest tragedy.