Nigeria mine tragedy: toxic gas kills 37 people, 26 hospitalized

A toxic gas leak at a mining site in the Kampani Zurak community of Wase, Plateau State, Nigeria , has killed 37 miners and hospitalized 26 others , officials confirmed Thursday. The incident occurred early Tuesday when a sudden accumulation of carbon monoxide, lead oxide, and sulphur filled poorly ventilated tunnels, overwhelming the miners, mostly young men aged 20 to 35.

Rescue teams and security forces evacuated survivors to nearby hospitals, while others succumbed to the toxic emissions before help could arrive. The bodies of the deceased have been released to families for burial according to religious practices.

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake , said the miners were unaware of the deadly nature of the gases and continued working. The government has closed and sealed the mining site , operated under Mining Licence 11810 by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, and dispatched expert teams to investigate the cause of the disaster. Preliminary findings suggest the site was an abandoned lead mine , where residual minerals can emit hazardous gases, and villagers entering the tunnels for extraction were caught unaware.

Authorities have warned communities against illegal mining and emphasized the urgent need for safety regulations and enforcement to prevent future tragedies. The incident underscores ongoing concerns over informal mining operations in Nigeria, which often lack protective equipment, ventilation, and emergency preparedness, putting miners at extreme risk.