37 Miners Killed, 25 Hospitalized by Carbon Monoxide at Plateau Mining Site

By Tgnews Reporter

A devastating carbon monoxide gas leak at an underground mining site in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, has claimed the lives of 37 miners, with 25 others hospitalised, several in critical condition.

The tragedy struck early Tuesday morning, February 18, at the Solid Mining Company facility during routine deep-level operations. Sources said the victims, mostly young men aged 20 to 35, were overcome by toxic gas that had accumulated in poorly ventilated tunnels, causing sudden suffocation and collapse.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes inside the tunnels as miners fell unconscious, with colleagues and rescue teams rushing to pull survivors to safety.

The affected area was immediately cordoned off, and the injured were transported to a nearby primary health centre for emergency care.

Plateau State Police sources confirmed the site has been fully secured to prevent any further incidents and to allow investigators to determine how the gas built up.

“The site is under strict control, and emergency protocols are being followed to manage the situation,” a security official said.

The incident has renewed serious concerns about safety standards in Nigeria’s underground mining operations, where inadequate ventilation, absence of gas detectors, and poor emergency planning continue to put lives at risk.

Mining safety experts emphasise that regular installation of gas monitoring systems, effective tunnel ventilation, and strict compliance with safety regulations could prevent such disasters.

Authorities have promised a full investigation to establish the exact cause, assess the mining company’s adherence to national safety guidelines, and identify any regulatory failures.

Further updates, including victim identification and official statements, are expected in the coming days.

This latest tragedy highlights the ongoing dangers faced by workers in Plateau State’s mining communities, where many artisanal and small-scale sites operate with limited safety oversight.