JUST IN: Many Feared Dead in Gas Leak at Plateau Mining Site
Several miners lost their lives in Kampani Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following a carbon monoxide leak in the early hours of Wednesday.
Safiyanu Haruna, a miner in the area, confirmed the tragedy, adding that more than 20 others who sustained injuries have been taken to a hospital in Wase town for treatment.
Haruna explained that the incident happened around 6:30 a.m., shortly after the miners returned from their morning prayers.
“It was carbon monoxide gas that caused the deaths. It’s heartbreaking to wake up to the news that 37 miners, who had been struggling to make ends meet, have died.
Around 5:30 a.m., they were all fine because they had left the site for morning prayer. It was only upon their return that they were found in this state,” he said.
He also noted that no rescue operation was in place at the time, as the morning shift of workers had not yet arrived.
“Thirty-seven people were confirmed dead, while over 20 others are receiving treatment at the hospital,” Haruna added.
The funeral prayers for the deceased are currently taking place in the community. Although authorities have not yet commented on the incident, residents reported that the Local Government Area chairman attended the funeral prayers.
