Deadly gas leak at Plateau Mining site kills dozens, scores hospitalised
An underground mining operation in Company Zurak, Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria has turned tragic after a suspected toxic gas leak, leaving at least 37 miners dead and dozens more injured.
Local sources and security reports indicate the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, February 18, when a buildup of what is believed to be carbon monoxide gas suddenly infiltrated the poorly ventilated mine tunnels where workers were carrying out routine operations.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the victims, mostly young men aged between 20 and 35, collapsed underground after inhaling the gas. At least 37 miners were confirmed dead, with around 25 others taken to nearby health facilities for urgent medical care — some in critical condition.
Residents told reporters that the miners had temporarily left the site for morning prayers and were still alive at about 5:30 a.m., but upon their return shortly after, they were found unconscious in the shafts.
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The mine, reported to be operated by a private firm, has since been secured by security forces and site personnel. Troops of the Nigerian Army were deployed to cordon off the area to prevent further casualties and control access to the site.
Local community leaders, including the Wase Youth Leader, have called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led to the disaster, highlighting long-standing concerns about safety standards and regulatory oversight in the state’s mining sector — particularly in rural communities where informal mining is common and safeguards are often inadequate.
As families mourn their loved ones and survivors battle for their lives in hospitals, authorities are yet to issue a detailed official statement. Efforts are underway to determine the exact cause of the gas accumulation inside the mine and to review compliance with existing safety protocols.
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