At least 38 miners were killed in a gas explosion at a lead mine in Nigeria’s central Plateau State, with at least 27 others injured and currently receiving treatment in hospital, local sources told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The explosion occurred on Tuesday (February 17) between 7:30am and 8:00am at the Kampanin Zurak mining site in the Bashar area of Wase district. Several workers were reportedly inside the mine at the time of the blast.
Acting traditional leader of the area, Alhaji Aliyu Adamu Idris, confirmed that 38 deaths have so far been recorded, while around 27 injured miners were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Ibrahim Dattijo Sani, a worker at a nearby mine, said the miners were deep underground when the explosion occurred. “We were working very close to the site. People were inside the mine when suddenly there was a gas explosion,” he said.
He added that rescue operations began immediately after the incident, but authorities were unable to prevent the high number of casualties. “We tried our best to rescue them, but unfortunately 38 people lost their lives. Others were taken to hospital,” he said.
A confidential security report obtained by AFP indicated that carbon monoxide poisoning is believed to be the likely cause of death for many of the victims.
Local leader Idris said the site was being operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited. Kampanin Zurak is known as an old mining area.
Plateau State has historically been a major mining hub in Nigeria. Its capital, Jos, is often referred to as “Tin City” due to its rich mining heritage. However, mining activities in the region have declined significantly in recent years.
Nigeria has experienced several deadly mining accidents in the past. In September last year, at least 18 people were killed in a rock collapse at an illegal mine in Zamfara State following heavy rainfall.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that illegal mining activities are contributing to armed violence and criminal operations in the country, as criminal groups allegedly finance their activities through extortion linked to mining operations.
