37 Miners Feared Dead, Over 20 Injured in Plateau Carbon Monoxide Tragedy

At least 37 miners have lost their lives in Kampani Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following a carbon monoxide leak in the early hours of Wednesday.

A miner in the area, Safiyanu Haruna, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that more than 20 others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to a hospital in Wase town for medical attention.

Haruna explained that the tragedy occurred around 6:30 a.m. The miners had earlier left the site to observe their morning prayers and were reportedly in good condition at about 5:30 a.m. However, upon returning to the mining pit, they were exposed to the gas leak.

“It was carbon monoxide that leaked and killed them. We woke up to the heartbreaking news of losing 37 miners who were only trying to earn a living. We are deeply disturbed by what happened,” he said.

He added that there was no immediate rescue response because the workers scheduled to resume at the site later in the morning had not yet arrived when the incident occurred.

According to him, 37 deaths have been confirmed, while the injured victims are currently receiving treatment at a medical facility in Wase.

Funeral prayers for the deceased miners are ongoing in the community as residents mourn the devastating loss.