A tragic incident has claimed the lives of at least 37 miners in Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, after they were reportedly exposed to carbon monoxide gas while working underground.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, triggering panic and emergency rescue efforts in the area.
According to reports from Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency and security publication, the victims, mostly young men between 20 and 35 years old were carrying out routine mining activities when toxic gas suddenly filled the tunnels. Witnesses said the miners struggled to escape but collapsed inside the narrow underground passages after inhaling the deadly fumes.
Local sources revealed that rescue teams, villagers, and security operatives worked for hours to retrieve the trapped miners, many of whom were already lifeless when brought out.
Twenty-five other victims were rushed to a nearby health facility, where they are currently receiving emergency medical attention. Medical personnel said some of the survivors remain in critical condition due to severe oxygen deprivation.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, confirmed the incident, stating that the government had been informed but was still awaiting comprehensive casualty and medical reports from emergency responders.
Security agencies have since sealed off the mining site to prevent further exposure and to enable proper investigation into the cause of the gas leakage.
Police sources disclosed that experts and safety officials have been deployed to examine the underground tunnels, ventilation system, and mining equipment to determine whether poor airflow, illegal mining practices, or equipment failure may have triggered the buildup of carbon monoxide.
Residents of Zurak described the incident as one of the deadliest mining disasters in recent years in the area, calling on both the federal and state governments to strengthen safety regulations, enforce mining standards, and monitor illegal mining activities to prevent similar tragedies.
Health experts warn that carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and highly toxic gas that can quickly replace oxygen in the bloodstream, leading to loss of consciousness, organ failure, and sudden death. Underground miners are particularly vulnerable due to poor ventilation, confined spaces, and prolonged exposure.
Authorities have assured the public that a full investigation is underway, while emergency response agencies continue monitoring the health of survivors and supporting affected families.
