A tragic mining accident in Nigeria has claimed the lives of 37 people who succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning while working at an underground site, according to police sources and security documents obtained by Reuters.
The deadly incident unfolded around 5:45 Wednesday morning at a mining operation located in Kampani, within the Wase region of Plateau state. Emergency responders transported an additional 25 miners to medical facilities for treatment.
Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake explained that the location was a former lead extraction site where stored minerals naturally emit poisonous gases. The minister noted that local residents were unaware of the hazardous fumes when they descended into the tunnel seeking to harvest minerals.
Following the fatalities, Alake has mandated the immediate shutdown of all mining operations under license 11810, which is operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited and belongs to owner Abdullahi Dan-China in the Zuraq area.
Initial investigation results indicate the deceased workers, all between ages 20 and 35, perished after breathing in toxic gases while laboring in the underground chambers, security documentation revealed.
State officials in Plateau confirmed multiple deaths occurred but declined to specify exact numbers, while noting that survivors continue receiving medical care at area hospitals.
Law enforcement has established a perimeter around the mining location to block additional entry attempts.
Nigeria’s mining sector is characterized by widespread illegal operations that typically lack adequate safety protocols, with workers frequently operating without proper protective gear.
Federal authorities have mandated an immediate halt to all mining work throughout the impacted region while investigations proceed.
