No fewer than 37 miners have reportedly lost their lives following suspected carbon monoxide exposure at an underground mining site in Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday while the victims were engaged in zinc extraction at the site. Toxic fumes were said to have suddenly filled the mining tunnels, leading to suffocation and a subsequent collapse within the facility.
Sources disclosed that the affected miners inhaled the poisonous gas during routine operations underground. Most of the deceased were young men aged between 20 and 35.
Meanwhile, 25 other miners who survived the exposure are currently receiving treatment at a nearby health facility.
Confirming the development, the Executive Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Hamisu Anani, described the incident as tragic and deeply worrisome. He lamented that the deaths occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, a period when many Muslims are engaged in fasting and prayers.
Anani stated that the mining site has since been secured to forestall further casualties and allow for thorough investigation into the exact cause of the suspected gas leak.
He appealed to both the state and federal governments to provide urgent assistance to the victims and their families, noting that the tragedy has left the community in grief.
Also reacting, the lawmaker representing Wase State Constituency assured that efforts were ongoing to support those affected, as investigations into the incident continue.