A toxic gas leak at a mine in north-central Nigeria has killed 37 people and left 26 others hospitalized, police said.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Kampani Zurak community in the Wase area of Plateau State, according to police spokesperson Alfred Alabo.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the miners were exposed to a sudden discharge of lead oxide and other associated gases such as sulphur and carbon monoxide, which are highly toxic to humans, particularly in confined or poorly ventilated spaces,” Alabo said. He added that the bodies of the deceased had been released to their families for burial in line with religious practices.
Authorities have shut down the mining site and launched an investigation into the cause of the leak.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the miners were unaware of the toxic nature of the emissions and continued working despite the danger.
It remains unclear what mineral was being extracted at the site or whether the operation was legal. Nigeria has been grappling with illegal mining activities, particularly gold mining, which have led to hundreds of deaths in recent years.
