At least 37 miners have died and 26 others remain hospitalized following a toxic gas leak at a mining site in north-central Nigeria, authorities said.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Kampani Zurak, according to police spokesperson Alfred Alabo. Preliminary findings indicate that a sudden release of lead oxide and other hazardous gases, including sulphur and carbon monoxide, entered the mine shaft while workers were underground.
Officials said the miners were exposed to the fumes in a confined space and may not have immediately recognized the danger. Many reportedly began experiencing symptoms before realizing they had inhaled toxic gases.
“These gases are toxic and particularly dangerous in poorly ventilated environments,” Alabo said, citing early investigative results.
The deceased have been released to their families for burial in accordance with religious customs, authorities confirmed.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, stated that the workers continued operations because they were unaware of the harmful nature of the emissions. The government has since ordered the closure of the mining site pending a full investigation.
Authorities have not disclosed what mineral was being extracted at the time of the incident, nor whether the mine was operating under a valid license.
The accident comes as Nigeria continues efforts to curb illegal mining activities, particularly unregulated gold mining operations, which have been linked to numerous fatalities in recent years.
