37 Miners Lose Their Lives in Plateau Gas Leak Incident

At least 37 miners in the Kampani Zurak community of Wase local government area in Plateau State tragically died due to a carbon monoxide leak during the early hours of Wednesday.

According to Safiyanu Haruna, a miner from the area, more than 20 others who sustained injuries have been rushed to a medical facility in Wase town for treatment.

Haruna reported that the leak transpired around 6:30 am, shortly after the miners had returned following their morning prayers. They unexpectedly succumbed to the gas leak upon reentering the mining site.

"It was confirmed that carbon monoxide gas leaked and resulted in their deaths. Awakening to this heartbreaking news, we mourn the loss of 37 miners who were simply trying to earn a living. It is disturbing. They were all alive around 5:30 am after leaving the site for prayer, but upon their return, they were found like this."

He mentioned that there was no immediate rescue effort available at the time of the incident as the emergency responders had not yet arrived. Haruna added, "A total of 37 individuals were confirmed dead, while over 20 others are receiving medical care at the hospital."

The community is currently conducting funeral prayers for those who lost their lives in this tragic event.

Local authorities have yet to issue a public statement regarding the incident; however, residents noted that the local government chairman was present at the funeral rites of the deceased.